John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence (AI), which has revolutionized approaches to machine learning. Their contributions to artificial neural networks have enabled systems to mimic the workings of the human brain, leading to widespread AI adoption in sectors such as healthcare and finance.

Geoffrey Hinton, often referred to as one of the “Godfathers of AI,” expressed his gratitude for the honor but also voiced concerns about the potential risks of AI development, particularly if it goes unchecked.

Hopfield laid the foundation for their work in the 1980s, and Hinton expanded on these ideas, contributing to the development of Boltzmann machines and deep learning systems. Together, their discoveries earned them a prize of 11 million Swiss francs (approximately $1.06 million).

“AI will have an impact on society comparable to the Industrial Revolution. But rather than surpassing humans in physical strength, AI will exceed them in intellectual capabilities,” Hinton remarked.

The Nobel Prize committee highlighted how their work “sparked the current rapid advancements in machine learning.” Hopfield’s research led to the development of neural networks capable of data storage, while Hinton’s studies laid the groundwork for AI systems now widely used in fields such as medicine, translation, and facial recognition.

Ellen Moons, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, emphasized that machine learning has become an integral part of daily life, acknowledging its transformative impact on technology and society.