Future of Life Institute (FLI) is a volunteer-run research and outreach organisation. Its mission is to catalyse and support research and initiatives for safeguarding life and developing optimistic visions of the future, including positive ways for humanity to steer its own course considering new technologies and challenges. Founded by Jaan Tallinn (co-founder of Skype) and Max Tegmark (MIT), it has a prominent Scientific Advisory Board which, among others, includes Elon Musk. FLI is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and is open to the participation of scientists, students, philanthropists, and others.
FLI works towards human centric and beneficial AI technology through advocacy, research funding, and activities to influence global AI policy. The institute has facilitated the development of the Asilomar AI Principles, within the framework of the Asilomar Conference on Beneficial AI, held in 2017. These principles underline aspects such as avoiding an arms race in lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) and ensuring that AI systems are designed and operated so as to be compatible with ideals of human dignity, rights, freedoms, and cultural diversity. FLI advocates for the Asilomar Principles to be endorsed.
As an example of the success of FLI’s advocacy work, the Asilomar Principles have been endorsed by over 1500 AI and robotics researchers and over 3000 other stakeholders, including the California Legislature.
FLI is also involved in the global campaign calling for a ban on LAWS.
In addition, the institute awards grants to fund research aimed at ensuring that general AI, if it is ever developed, will be safe and beneficial.
- Advocates for human centric, safe, and beneficial AI.
- Advocates against LAWS.