Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak got cheers, not boos, after telling students they ‘all have AI — actual intelligence’

• Steve Wozniak gave a commencement speech at Grand Valley State University earlier this month.

• He was applauded after telling students they had artificial intelligence, or “true intelligence”.

• Students booed some executives who advocated artificial intelligence during their graduation speeches.

Steve Wozniak This year, he did what other college commencement speakers couldn’t: win applause when talking about Artificial Intelligence.

The Apple co-founder performed at Grand Valley State University’s graduation ceremony earlier this month. During his speech, Wozniak reassured new graduates entering the workforce at the height of the artificial intelligence revolution.

“You have artificial intelligence; real intelligence,” Wozniak said.

These words drew laughter and applause from the audience.

“It would take too long to delve into what I think about artificial intelligence, but we are trying to create a brain,” Wozniak said. “Is there a way to copy a routine a trillion times and make it work like a brain? Artificial intelligence is one of these initiatives.”

Although Wozniak delivered his speech without interruption, the same cannot be said for some other AI advanced graduation speakers. In the weeks that followed, old Google CEO Eric Schmidt and property manager Gloria Caulfield both were booed at two separate graduation ceremonies for their comments about artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence looms over new graduates entering the job market. Technology is changing the landscape skills needed by candidates how companies evaluate them. The ability to automate many tasks has enabled some companies to AI-related layoffs.

During his graduation speech, Wozniak reflected on working at Apple and offered some advice to students as they begin their careers.

“You should always try to think differently,” he said. “Don’t follow the same steps as a million other people. Think, is there anything I could do a little differently?”

If you like this story, don’t forget to follow Business Content on Yahoo.