Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg said Wednesday he can build a powerful new superintelligence that he wants to augment people’s lives.

Researchers and technologists apply different definitions to superintelligence, but it is largely understood as a powerful artificial intelligence system that can outperform humans as measured across a variety of tasks. 

“Developing superintelligence is now in sight,” Mr. Zuckerberg said in a letter posted on Meta’s website. “It seems clear that in the coming years, AI will improve all our existing systems and enable the creation and discovery of new things that aren’t imaginable today.”

The billionaire founder of Facebook has grown heavily invested in AI. 

He has poached leading researchers from other companies and reportedly made at least one offer of a salary exceeding $1 billion to recruit for his superintelligence agenda. 

Mr. Zuckerberg said his vision for creating a new powerful tech system would be focused on augmenting humans’ tasks rather than automating their work. 

“Meta’s vision is to bring personal superintelligence to everyone,” Mr. Zuckerberg said. “We believe in putting this power in people’s hands to direct it towards what they value in their own lives.”

• Ryan Lovelace can be reached at rlovelace@washingtontimes.com.