[AI] Could FSF use AI to complete and develop the GNU kernel, Hurd/Mach?
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I just though of that.
No.
And Hurd's already completed anyway. Go download & use it already - https://guix.gnu.org/en/download/latest/
That's a virtual machine image, not a ISO image for running the Hurd on a computer from the USB stick. That isn't being "complete" in the completest sense.
Go run it on real hardware then. For example: https://guix.gnu.org/en/blog/2024/hurd-on-thinkpad/ Since even then, Hurd supports x86-64. The Guix installer lets you select Hurd.
https://guix.gnu.org/en/blog/2026/the-64-bit-hurd/ They have it marked as experimental (in Guix). It's time to stop treating Hurd as if it's some mythical vaporware. :) Go use if you're interested in doing so - It has some neat features. The status section there has interesting data and links. Like the FOSDEM talk. And "Debian GNU/Hurd has been a reality for some years now, reaching 75% of Debian packages being available for the Hurd." So most of Debian main runs on Hurd.
The GNU Hurd is ready, but it needs drivers to become compatible with a wider range of devices than it currently does support. NetBSD's Rumpkernel helps solve this issue. There was a report of a contributor using claude code, so it is not like they haven't thought up with this idea. The problem is the sustainability of AI code. I think there is too little manpower to handle all the sloppy code.
The GNU Hurd and Mach are developed by the GNU project. These devs absolutely full stop will not run non-libre software. This greatly complicates the use of AI. Okay you say, run it locally. But remmember, that would mean using a newer computer with an IME and non-free drivers. So this at the moment is just impossible.
Plus, Debian GNU/Hurd (use the expert install to get a fully free system), has even on 64bit Xorg and Wayland working fully. So clearly the kernel works it just needs free drivers for which they just don't have the devs.