Ben Goertzel: Google May Abandon Non-LLM Paths for Final AGI Sprint
Neurogence · reddit · 2026-08-07
Ben Goertzel analyzes the implications of Google integrating DeepMind as a regular division. He suggests that feeling the heat from Anthropic and OpenAI's massive success with large language models (LLMs), Google might be abandoning alternative AGI paths like world models and robotics to focus entirely on Gemini and LLMs.
Except for Shane Legg's team, non-LLM projects within DeepMind (e.g., Genie, Gato, Sima) will likely be scaled back or left to wither. Goertzel speculates that Demis Hassabis may have concluded that while inelegant, LLMs might be "good enough" to reach the first HLAGI, which can then build a more refined architecture.
The post author adds that Google has fumbled its lead multiple times, and if text-based LLMs ultimately fall short of AGI, sidelining Hassabis and alternative approaches could be a massive strategic mistake.
Related event: Google DeepMind Restructures: AGI Pioneer Analyzes Strategic Shift(2 posts)→
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