Sam Altman Defends AI Thrust Days After Retaking OpenAI’s Helm

Sam Altman is back on the conference circuit and touting AI’s benefits to humanity, days after regaining the lead at the world’s best-known artificial intelligence startup.

In his first public appearance since Altman regained control of OpenAI after a surprise ouster attempt, the co-founder and chief executive officer defended his exploratory approach to developing AI. “It’s going to lift the world up,” he said, stressing potential advances in fields from health-care to education. And he described how he’s always been fascinated by fictional rogue AIs like the Terminator — but that companies like OpenAI needed to push the boundaries to realize the technology’s potential.