OpenAI COO Discusses Exaggerated Claims of AI for Business, Shares Details of Sam Altman’s Departure

In 2023, the term “artificial intelligence” has become widely popular, as major companies are introducing their range of AI services for both consumers and businesses. The launch of OpenAI’s AI chatbot ChatGPT in November 2022 marked the beginning of a significant revolution in AI technology. Since then, there have been rapid advancements in the field, with Microsoft and Google also unveiling their own AI services. The demand for AI in business has surged, as companies utilize this new technology to expand their operations and provide enhanced services to customers. However, OpenAI’s Chief Operating Officer, Brad Lightcap, believes that this technology is being excessively hyped. He also shared some insights into the unexpected resignation and subsequent return of CEO Sam Altman.

AI for companies

In an interview with CNBC, Lightcap was asked about the most overrated and underrated aspects of artificial intelligence. Speaking of the former, Lightcap said AI will not “deliver significant business change.” While expanding, OpenAI’s COO said that companies looking to cut costs or increase revenue can’t rely on AI alone because it won’t solve the problem entirely. AI technology is still in its infancy and evolving, Lightcap said.

On the other hand, according to Lightcap, the most underrated aspect of artificial intelligence is the individual impact it offers to the end user. AI tools allow users to do things they couldn’t do before.

Introduction of artificial intelligence

OpenAI recently revealed that 92 percent of Fortune 500 companies had adopted ChatGPT. Lightcap was asked what the remaining 8 percent of industry could be, and the OpenAI COO thought it could be heavy machinery or capital-intensive industries like oil and gas that focus more on manufacturing and less on services. These have not yet implemented ChatGPT.

About Sam Altman

OpenAI has experienced a bit of a rollercoaster ride in recent weeks, with CEO Sam Altman ousted by the board, then Altman joining Microsoft, before eventually returning to OpenAI after the board resigned. Lightcap was asked how it would change things at the company, and OpenAI’s CEO doesn’t expect “any day-to-day change.” Lightcap said the company’s mission remains the same, and the events of the past few weeks have brought the company together “in a way that’s hard to describe.”