Hassabis predicts that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) could be achieved within the next 5 to 10 years, envisioning systems that deeply understand their environments and integrate seamlessly into daily life by 2030.

DeepMind is developing systems that can understand language and physical environments, moving beyond traditional chatbot functionalities.

He emphasized that while AI can mimic conscious behavior, the differences in their substrates—silicon versus carbon-based brains—mean their experiences of consciousness would not be the same as humans.

In an exclusive interview with 60 Minutes on April 20, 2025, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis discussed significant advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly focusing on the Gemini project.

He described the current trajectory of AI as an 'exponential curve of improvement,' fueled by increasing interest and resources in the field.

Hassabis also mentioned notable advances in robotics and the potential for breakthroughs in reasoning capabilities in the coming years.

Despite speculation about AI self-awareness, Hassabis clarified that no current AI system is self-aware, although future models may exhibit signs of self-awareness, remaining fundamentally different from human consciousness.

He expressed optimism about AI's potential in drug development, suggesting timelines for curing diseases could shrink from years to weeks.

Gemini's AI model is being trained to perform real-world tasks, such as booking tickets and shopping online, as part of the upcoming Project Mariner initiative.

Hassabis warned of a potential 'race to the bottom' regarding safety in AI development, advocating for international cooperation on ethical guidelines.

Despite this optimism, he raised concerns about the misuse of AI and the necessity for safety measures and ethical oversight.

The interview included a demonstration of Project Astra, showcasing its ability to remember past interactions and engage users with personalized greetings.