What it means
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) refers to a machine that possesses the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide variety of tasks, much like a human being. Unlike current 'narrow' AI, which is designed for specific jobs (like playing chess or generating text), AGI would be a versatile problem-solver.
Why it matters
AGI is considered the ultimate goal for many AI researchers. If achieved, it could solve complex global challenges in science and medicine, but it also raises significant questions about safety and the future of work.