I think some people insist on "consciousness" as being a necessary component of AI, and that "understanding" is a function of consciousness. And consciousness means "being conscious the way biological systems like ourselves are conscious". AND, the final nail in this coffin: "that's impossible". Hard to argue with.

QED, ergo, in conclusion regarding AIs ever "understanding" anything: Nope.

But what about....? Nope.

But maybe they'll...? I said no.

What if they invent a...? Doesn't matter, what part of "impossible" are you not getting here?