In 2025, the world of AI is undergoing a quiet transformation. There are no dramatic "ChatGPT moments," but something more profound is unfolding. AI agents are now writing production code, optimizing their own training loops, and discovering new algorithms. This is not the AGI from science fiction—it is what the author calls the "plumbing phase" of AGI. This phase focuses on integration, infrastructure, and engineering that connect scattered capabilities into early signs of general intelligence.

The article explores whether we are witnessing true AGI or just very advanced pattern recognition. It proposes three meaningful metrics for AGI: breadth of competence, autonomous adaptation, and robustness under adversity. Key research areas include reasoning during inference, hardware-aware training loops, intelligent retrieval strategies, and scalable robotics. Despite this progress, major gaps remain, such as limited memory and context, poor lifelong learning, unclear goal-setting, and a lack of real understanding.

We are entering a period where foundational models may already hold untapped potential. The next big breakthroughs might not come from massive new models but from better protocols, agent communication standards, and systems that learn and evolve in real-world environments. Intelligence is not a binary switch but a gradual spectrum. And we may already be watching it unfold.

👉 Read the full article on Apolo’s website to explore how quiet engineering progress could be laying the groundwork for AGI.

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