OpenAI has launched a five-tier system to measure its progress towards developing AI that can surpass human performance. The new classification aims to provide clearer insights into the company's approach to AI safety and future goals. The system, unveiled to employees during an all-hands meeting, outlines stages from conversational AI to advanced AI that are capable of running an entire organisation.

Currently, OpenAI is at the first level but is approaching the second stage, called 'Reasoners.' That level represents AI systems that can perform basic problem-solving tasks comparable to a human with a doctorate but without additional tools. During the meeting, leadership showcased a research project involving the GPT-4 model, demonstrating new capabilities that exhibit human-like reasoning.

The five-tier framework is still a work in progress, with plans to gather feedback from employees, investors, and the board. OpenAI's ultimate goal is to create artificial general intelligence (AGI), which involves developing AI that outperforms humans in most tasks. CEO Sam Altman remains optimistic that AGI could be achieved within this decade.