Former Google engineer Anthony Levandowski is making headlines again after announcing the relaunch of his “Way of the Future” AI church. In an episode of Bloomberg’s AI IRL podcast, Levandowski revealed his intention to help people gain a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence through this new venture. His original church, which was established in 2015 during his tenure at Waymo, was closed down a few years later. However, his latest endeavor has already attracted the interest of “a couple thousand people” who are seeking a “spiritual connection” with AI, per Bloomberg.
Levandowski envisions the church as a means of enabling people, including those in rural America, to better understand and participate in shaping the public discourse on how technology should be built to improve lives. He expressed his desire to show how AI can guide and help people in a manner akin to what is traditionally associated with a higher power.
This announcement comes amid Levandowski’s controversial history, which includes being embroiled in a court case in 2017 for stealing trade secrets. The former engineer eventually pleaded guilty, received a prison sentence, and was later pardoned the former president, Donald Trump, in 2021.
Despite his past, Levandowski has been granted a pardon and is now focusing on his role as the CEO of Pollen Mobile, a decentralized mobile network that he established in 2021. His dedication to advancing the public good is highlighted in his official pardon, where he is recognized for paying a significant price for his actions and committing to using his talents for the benefit of society.