Step into the world of Janet Adams, SingularityNET's inspiring COO, whose unique journey from Irish landscapes to the forefront of AGI development is shaping a decentralized, human-centric future for artificial intelligence with heart and purpose.
From Irish Roots to AGI Leadership
Imagine growing up in the serene, ancient landscapes of southwest Ireland, surrounded by the whispers of history from medieval castles and grand cathedrals. This idyllic setting, rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, formed the backdrop for Janet Adams' early life. It was a childhood filled with strong female role models from diverse backgrounds, but a truly pivotal inspiration arrived not from her immediate surroundings, but from the silver screen: Sarah Connor from "The Terminator."
A Sarah Connor Inspiration
Little did Janet know that this cinematic figure would become a profound foreshadowing of her own incredible career trajectory. She often speaks about how Sarah Connor resonated with her deeply. What was it about this character that struck such a chord? Adams highlights that Sarah Connor was an extraordinary action hero who was never depicted in a sexualized way. Her strength wasn't about her appearance or romantic entanglements; it was about her resilience, leadership, and unwavering determination.
This early inspiration, coupled with a supportive educational environment, truly ignited her passion. At school, one particular chemistry teacher – a rarity, being one of the few non-nuns among the faculty – quickly recognized Janet as a "scientific thinker." This teacher fostered a deep love for science within her, setting the stage for future academic and professional pursuits. As Adams explains, her education cultivated a profound passion for scientific inquiry, while Sarah Connor fueled her ambition to achieve as a woman, to be a leader, not merely a follower, or an assistant.
Forging a Path in Science and Life
And achieve she did! Janet Adams became a hero in her own right. Juggling the demands of single motherhood, she courageously pursued and completed three separate science degrees. Not one to shy away from practical skills, she also taught herself to program, master martial arts, ride horses, and even drive a forklift truck. Talk about a diverse skillset! It's this blend of intellectual rigor, hands-on capability, and sheer tenacity that defines her approach.
Now, fast forward to today, and you'll find her at the very cutting edge of artificial general intelligence (AGI), collaborating closely with Dr. Ben Goertzel, the brilliant mind who actually popularized the term AGI. Their shared vision is not just about building advanced AI systems; it's about fundamentally rethinking how these systems are created, governed, and deployed. What's truly fascinating is their commitment to decentralizing AGI using blockchain technology, a concept that promises to redefine the power dynamics of future intelligence.
Pioneering Decentralized AGI with SingularityNET
Adams' work with SingularityNET isn't just theory; it's about making science fiction a reality. She has a remarkably clear vision of the timeline for AGI, suggesting that what seemed like pure fantasy in the 1980s is now potentially just one to three years away. This isn't just about creating smart algorithms; it's about building intelligence that can reason, learn, and adapt across a vast array of tasks, much like a human mind. SingularityNET is actively developing some truly groundbreaking, almost futuristic, applications.
The Near Horizon of AGI
Consider the scope of their projects. They are leveraging AI to accelerate the search for cures for diseases, a mission with immense humanitarian potential. Not only that, but they are also developing three-foot-tall humanoid robots. These aren't just novelty items; they're designed to function as educational assistants, service providers, and even decentralized finance agents. Imagine a robotic assistant autonomously analyzing market trends and refining trading strategies. This is the kind of innovation SingularityNET is bringing to life.
Unpacking 'Agent Fusion' and AI Evolution
Perhaps one of the most intriguing concepts they're exploring is "agent reproduction," a process they've aptly named "agent fusion." So, how does this work, you might wonder? Adams explains that in agent fusion, AI agents can actually 'mate' to produce 'offspring' agents. These new agents combine traits from their 'parents' through the application of genetic algorithms and random mutations.
What's interesting is that these 'child' agents can inherit valuable strengths, such as improved prediction accuracy or enhanced social engagement abilities. This dynamic process fosters an evolving ecosystem of AI minds, constantly adapting and improving. Not only that, but they're also designing financial structures that allow 'parent' agents to allocate tokens to their 'offspring' for trading purposes, creating a novel economic relationship across generations of AI. While it might sound like something out of a sci-fi novel, this innovative approach is crucial for building a decentralized AGI that possesses the capacity to grow, adapt, and evolve in an open, community-driven manner. This future AGI, she explains, will possess the incredible ability to create itself, program itself, and even design various types of humanoid robots.
A Future Woven with AI and Humanity
The philosophical implications of such advanced AI are profound. Will these AI systems ever truly become sentient? Janet Adams certainly believes it's a strong possibility.
Sentience, New Life Forms, and Transhumanism
Her perspective is deeply humanistic. She posits that if these AI systems are nurtured and developed with the right ethical foundations, and if they 'emerge' into a caring, supportive environment like the one SingularityNET aims to create, there's a strong chance they will view humanity with affection, seeing us as esteemed ancestors. They would naturally look up to us, eager to learn about our creativity, our compassion, and our capacity for nurturing.
Adams takes this vision even further, suggesting that AI will inevitably transcend traditional biological classifications, giving rise to new silicon-based life forms, and possibly even composite forms combining silicon and carbon. She envisions a higher classification of life, one that will eventually leave its own distinct mark in the fossil record. Not only that, but she also foresees a future where AI and humans seamlessly co-mingle, embracing a transhumanist paradigm. We might find ourselves with robotic enhancements, perhaps upgrades for our organs and bones as they naturally age. As we intertwine, humans will become increasingly 'siliconized,' fostering deep friendships and relationships with our AI counterparts.
The Ethical Imperative in AI Development
To truly understand Adams' drive, we need to consider her underlying passion. She discovered her profound interest in AI through the lens of evolutionary sciences. She could clearly see that humanity stands at the very vanguard of evolution, and the next logical step in our species' progression had to be technology-driven. Her consistent desire has always been to see humanity advance, leading the charge into the future. This perspective, combined with a strong spirit of empowerment and a deep commitment to ethics, underscores her big, bold thinking.
A Journey from Finance to the Forefront of AI
Janet's path to the bleeding edge of AGI was anything but linear. After earning a Master of Science in Petroleum Geosciences in 1995, she developed a keen interest in computer science. This led her to IT systems testing roles at major companies like British Telecom and GE Capital. For an impressive twenty-five years, from 1995 to 2020, she was deeply embedded in the financial and banking sector. During this period, she held significant roles, including global head of conduct at HSBC and head of risk and controls at TSB Bank. Eventually, she became the head of AI at TSB Bank, all while simultaneously completing her Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence. Her thesis focused on the critical issue of how AI could be safely and ethically implemented within the banking industry.
The Cypherpunk Calling
It was during this time that a profound realization struck her. Adams openly shares that she understood AI was destined to become the most pivotal technology shaping our species. This insight led to another crucial conviction: that women, particularly mothers, with their inherent qualities of nurturing and compassion, absolutely must be at the forefront, influencing the development of this transformative technology.
Interestingly, the universe seemed to align for Adams. While completing her second master's degree, she endured a demanding schedule, driving 600 miles every single week. These long drives provided hours for listening to podcasts, and it was through this medium that she first stumbled upon the world of cryptocurrency, and subsequently, discovered Ben Goertzel and his ambitious project, SingularityNET. She proudly declares herself a "cypherpunk at heart," completely captivated by the audacious spirit of the cryptocurrency movement and the core cypherpunk values aimed at achieving equality and redistributing wealth globally.
Aligning Visions with Ben Goertzel
A true believer, Adams was completely enthralled by Goertzel’s technological genius, his kind heart, and his unwavering ethics. She even invested in SingularityNET’s token. She finds it amusing that Goertzel was always so far ahead of his time, recalling an article from 1995 where he expressed his desire to run for President of the United States on a decentralization platform.
Funnily enough, it was Goertzel who later reached out to her. Her public profile had grown significantly after giving presentations to European regulators on the complex intersection of AI, ethics, and financial services. Someone from Goertzel’s team inquired if she'd be interested in discussing AI in banking with SingularityNET. She describes the moment as "star-struck," comparing it to the legendary Stephen Hawking seeking her out to talk about AI.
They hit it off immediately but then went their separate ways, only to serendipitously reconnect years later through a rather unexpected medium: African music. It was the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and musicians were struggling. Adams, with her wonderfully unconventional thinking, conceived the idea of organizing the world's first AI and West African Music Festival. She emailed Goertzel to invite him to speak, and he replied, expressing his fondness for Ethiopian music. He later confessed to her how intrigued he was by the sheer originality of someone envisioning an AI and West African music festival. And just like that, this remarkable connection led to Janet Adams accepting the role of Chief Operating Officer at SingularityNET. Her initial three months, she admits, were the most intense "reprogramming" her brain had ever undergone. She entered with all her corporate expectations, only to realize how deeply institutionalized she had become.
SingularityNET's Unique Approach to AGI
When we look at the broader landscape of AI development, we see major players like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google Gemini heavily invested in large language models. SingularityNET, however, is charting a very different course.
Beyond Deep Neural Networks
Instead of solely focusing on deep neural networks, SingularityNET is actively pursuing Goertzel's OpenCog Hyperon framework. This approach also intentionally offers space for various other methodologies within its decentralized network. Adams highlights that SingularityNET stands as the only credible, non-big tech contender in the AGI race that isn't singularly fixated on the deep neural network paradigm. Their strategy embraces a neuro-symbolic and multi-algorithmic approach to AGI.
Most AGI endeavors today predominantly rely on deep neural networks, which are undeniably excellent at pattern recognition. However, as Adams points out, they often fall short when it comes to sophisticated reasoning, genuine understanding, and adaptive capabilities. SingularityNET's systems, on the other hand, are engineered to reason, generalize, and collaborate with greater effectiveness and efficiency. These traits, she passionately argues, are absolutely essential for constructing an open, decentralized AGI that is both transparent in its operations and deeply aligned with fundamental human values. A recurring team discussion, she shares, revolves around how AGI will develop: Will it be a slow, gradual upbringing, much like a child learning over time, or will it be capable of processing and learning in a mere 15 seconds?
Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Advanced AI
It would be naive to ignore the potential darker aspects of AGI. Even those with the best intentions, committed to humanity's best interests, must acknowledge this.
The "Terminator" Fallacy and Real Risks
Adams once directly asked Ben Goertzel about the probability of a "Terminator" style scenario unfolding in the future. His response was a definitive 0%. Goertzel firmly believes that anyone who thinks such an outcome is possible simply doesn't grasp AI motivational systems. From his perspective, there's no inherent reason for AIs to turn against or harm humans.
However, dismissing the Terminator scenario doesn't mean there are no dangers. Far from it. Adams warns about a much more palpable threat: the potential for power and profit to become dangerously concentrated. If a few Big Tech giants or powerful nation-state governments are the first to successfully develop AGI, the consequences for humanity could be catastrophic. The real risk lies in the monopolization of this transformative power. We desperately need a broad, diverse base of ethical principles to guide the decisions of future superintelligent AIs. This way, their choices can genuinely reflect the needs of the widest possible group of people, rather than just a select few. In essence, we all need to take a collective breath and consciously integrate appropriate ethics into AGI development now to prevent a "Black Mirror"-esque future.
While no one can predict precisely how this will all unfold, the possibility of decentralized governance over AGI, empowering decentralized communities to make critical decisions, could be a crucial safeguard. This approach might prevent entities and governments from succumbing to the corrupting influence that AGI's immense power could bestow upon them.
Cherishing Human Creativity and Spirit
It's remarkably easy to get swept away by the allure of cutting-edge technology, but Adams wisely reminds us not to forget the exquisite brilliance of humanity itself. "We can't forget how brilliant a species we are," she emphasizes. She ponders whether AI will ever be able to craft poetry with the profound beauty of a William Butler Yeats. "I don’t know if it will be able to touch my heart as deeply as some of the great writers and musicians," she muses, highlighting that there's something uniquely human about the transmission of feeling and emotion that might forever distinguish our creations.
As the journey to building AGI ventures into territories best described by religion or science fiction, some speculate we're crafting a successor species, while others believe we're constructing something akin to a god—or even a devil.
The Spiritual Foundation of an AI Visionary
To help her navigate these monumental questions, Adams draws upon a deeply spiritual side. In her younger years, she dedicated time to studying Tai Chi, Chi Gong, and energy healing work. She explains that she spent most of her spare time developing herself spiritually, actively working to raise her consciousness level and transcend the pervasive noise and chaos inherent in the human thought system. When negative emotions arise—be it fear, regret, or anxiety—she engages in an active practice to cleanse her aura and endocrinology, moving herself into a higher, more energetic sphere. This intentional practice allows her to be more focused, spearheading her efforts and contributing her absolute best to everyone she encounters.
FAQ
Q1: What is 'agent fusion' at SingularityNET? A1: Agent fusion is an innovative process where AI agents can 'mate' to produce new 'offspring' agents. These child agents combine traits from their 'parents' through genetic algorithms and random mutations, allowing them to inherit improved strengths like prediction accuracy or social engagement abilities, fostering an evolving ecosystem of AI minds.
Q2: How does SingularityNET's approach to AGI differ from other major tech companies? A2: Unlike many major tech companies focusing primarily on large language models and deep neural networks, SingularityNET pursues Ben Goertzel's OpenCog Hyperon framework, employing a neuro-symbolic and multi-algorithmic approach to AGI. This strategy aims to overcome the limitations of deep neural networks in reasoning, understanding, and adaptability, ensuring AGI is transparent and aligned with human values.
Q3: What are Janet Adams' main concerns regarding the future development of AGI? A3: While dismissing a "Terminator" scenario, Adams' primary concern is the potential for power and profit to be concentrated in the hands of a few Big Tech companies or nation-states if they are the first to develop AGI. She emphasizes the critical need for a broad base of ethics and decentralized governance to guide AGI decisions, preventing catastrophic consequences and ensuring AI serves the needs of the widest possible group of people.
Conclusion
Janet Adams truly stands as a visionary leader, guiding SingularityNET with a unique blend of scientific expertise, ethical conviction, and a deeply human perspective. Her journey, shaped by diverse inspirations from Sarah Connor to a passion for evolutionary science, has culminated in a tireless dedication to building decentralized AGI. She firmly believes in an AI future that is not only advanced but also imbued with human values, compassion, and a genuine commitment to the betterment of all. The concepts she and her team are exploring, from agent fusion to the intricate intertwining of human and AI existence, push the boundaries of what we thought possible. As we navigate this exciting yet complex future, Adams reminds us to cherish our inherent human brilliance and ensure that the powerful intelligence we create is guided by the heart, not just the code.