'Project Sid' conducted by AI startup Altera is a hot topic. It observed the process of AI forming a civilization just like humans. Altera created a village of up to 1,000 AI agents in Minecraft to simulate human society.
AI NPCs behaved like people. The initial goal was to run the village efficiently and protect the community from external threats, but the agents took on roles such as farmers, artists, and defenders. Through social interaction, the AI chef even gave more food to agents who rated him higher. They also set up torches for lost villagers and shared text messages expressing concern.
After the introduction of the tax system, AI agents adjusted tax rates through voting, and some agents even played a role in spreading the parody religion, 'Pastafarianism'. The agents showed civilized behavior similar to human society, such as forming an economic system and spreading cultural memes and religion.
Altera co-founder Robert Yang said Project Seed showed the potential for AI to collaborate with humans and develop autonomously in the digital space. Yang dreams of AI becoming more than just a tool to help humans, but a digital being that can express emotions and contribute to society like humans.
