Rene Haas, chief executive of Arm Holdings, has stated that artificial intelligence will eventually find a cure for cancer that humans cannot achieve in our lifetimes. Haas, who leads the Cambridge-based chip designer, mentioned that while modeling how a DNA marker is impacted by cancer is currently too complex for both humans and existing computers, future advancements in AI will solve this problem. He emphasized that as AI models become more sophisticated, they will be able to tackle these complex biological challenges.

Haas also predicted that AI will lead to widespread humanoid robots within the next five years. However, he noted that the rapid growth of AI is being hindered by a shortage of chips required to build data centres. Despite this, he remains skeptical about the feasibility of manufacturing these chips in the UK in the future. Haas pointed out that while the UK government is discussing the possibility of bringing parts of the chip supply chain to the country, he believes it is unnecessary due to the high costs and specialized nature of chip manufacturing.

In addition to his comments on AI and robotics, Haas addressed concerns about job losses due to AI. He argued that while there will be some changes in the workforce, the estimates of job losses being completely replaced by machines are overstated. He also mentioned that fears of a market correction in AI stocks are unfounded due to the long-term demand for AI technology.

Haas highlighted that Arm's power-efficient technology is now used in half of the world's AI data centres. This has led to a significant shift in the company's business, with Meta requesting the development of the Arm AGI chip, which has generated over $2 billion in demand since its launch in March. He also discussed the challenges in chip supply, noting that the UK is in a supply-constrained environment and that more chip factories are needed before data centres can be placed in space.

Despite the UK's historical significance as a hub for tech innovation, some government ministers have expressed disappointment over Arm's sale to Japanese investors in 2016 and its subsequent partial flotation on the New York Stock Exchange. Haas, however, emphasized that half of Arm's employees remain in the UK and that the company is the largest employer in Cambridge. He reiterated that the company's success is not solely dependent on its location but on its technological capabilities and market demand.