Will artificial intelligence overtake human intelligence around 2020?

Technological progress has undeniably been faster in the last sixty years than in all of human development. However, artificial intelligence is developing at such a speed that some wonder if it will not end up overtaking human intelligence. And therefore, it would be the theoretical end of the domination of the human race.

The last sixty years have undoubtedly been the most prolific in science and technology. Never in human history has such progress been possible, leading to profound changes in our societies. These different areas are progressing very quickly; however, as artificial intelligence approaches human capabilities, more and more observers are concerned about the human race and its survival.

Vernor Vinge, a professor of computer science and mathematics at the University of San Diego best known for popularizing the concept of technological singularity, said that "artificial intelligence will surpass human intelligence soon after 2020. It seems plausible that 'with the technology we design, we may in the near future create 'creatures' that surpass humans in every intellectual and creative dimension. The manifestations after such an event – ​​like a technological singularity – are as unimaginable to us as an opera can be to an earthworm.”

Thus, post-singularity theories are flourishing on the web. For many in any case, this stage will mark the end point of our current civilization, when technology will have finally caught up with us. Beginning of a "golden age" or the end of all life, discussions are lost in conjecture. But if the perception of singularity can quickly turn into a technophile's fantasy, most theorists believe that artificial intelligence will sooner or later mark a decisive turning point.

As soon as an AI is a little smarter than us, it will always be able to learn faster than we ever could. This would then render the human race totally obsolete in the battle of evolution... or at least, assuming that intelligence alone is the only factor to be taken into account in evolution. Either way, whatever form this singularity takes, it looks like it will manifest. Even if the researchers would stop their work, others would end up taking over… like the machines themselves?