A biological lens on artificial general intelligence and consciousness

The development of artificial intelligence and robotic systems has revolutionized multiple aspects of human life. It is often asked whether artificial general intelligence (AGI) can ever be achieved or whether robots can truly achieve human-like qualities. Our view is that the answer is “no,” because these systems fundamentally differ in their relationship to the ultimate goal of biological systems – reproduction. This perspective gives rise to the conjecture that reproduction, or self-replication, is a prerequisite for human-like (or biological-type) cognition, intelligence, and even consciousness. This paper explores the implications of reproduction as a criterion for the viability of artificial systems, emphasizing how alignment with human reproductive imperatives determines their cultural integration and longevity. We argue that systems incapable of self-replication or co-evolving to complement human reproductive roles are likely to remain peripheral curiosities, with limited societal or evolutionary impact.