AI Can't Think Creatively Even After 100 Years: Bill Gates

Allaying fears that Artificial Intelligence would render many jobless, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates declared that AI cannot replace programmers even after 100 years. But, AI is needed for coding, he said.

"In programming, AI will act as an assistant. It will help people in boring activities like debugging but cannot become an alternative. The biggest challenge in programming is solving the toughest problems with creativity and machines cannot do it. For programming, judgement, imaginative thinking, quickly adjusting to circumstances is necessary. AI lacks all these qualities," he said, while speaking in an interview.

Coding does not mean simply typing. It needs deeper thinking. No algorithm can match the creativity of human intelligence. In the past, Gates had said that coding, energy management and biology sectors have less threat from automation. AI does not have the ability to resolve problems, think creatively and improve efficiency and hence, can never replace humans completely.

Recently, the World Economic Forum has estimated that by 2030, AI could replace 8.5 crore jobs. At the same time, it also said that AI could create 9.7 crore new jobs. Responding to the WEF's observation, Gates said he too was anxious over the threat posed by AI. It will increase productivity and leave us with more free time, he added.