We are witnessing a monumental shift in our world as advances in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) reshape the way we live and work. Innovative models, such as the ones illustrated in Figure 02, are currently undergoing rigorous testing in factories, while others like Neo Beta are making their way into households. If projections hold true, in just a few years, we could inhabit cities where automats are ubiquitous .
This scenario begs the inevitable question: what will happen if it becomes a reality? How will our lives change when machines take over most jobs ? For quite some time, renowned entrepreneur Elon Musk has advocated for a model of “sustainable abundance,” wherein humans benefit from a high universal income along with access to superior healthcare, food, housing, and transportation services.
A Future with Robots Everywhere
Based on Musk’s vision, jobs may soon become optional, with the assertion that “probably none of us will have a job.” However, this is not a universally held belief among industry leaders. Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, concurs with Musk on the likelihood of a large-scale deployment of robots, but he disagrees with the notion that this equates to the end of human work . As he articulated in an interview, his vision includes a reduced workday rather than job elimination.
“I have to admit that I fear that in the future we will be more busy than now. The reason is that many different things that have been done faster for a long time. I am always waiting for the work to end because I have more ideas; most companies have more ideas to pursue.”
Huang argues that AI will not only enhance our productivity but also grant us more time for leisure and personal development . Importantly, he emphasizes that we won’t be left unemployed with just an income:
“We can spend more time on weekends traveling. We come from a world with work weeks of 7 days, and now we have one of 5, and each industrial revolution leads to some change in social behavior. But I hope that the economy does very well thanks to the AI. And some jobs will disappear, but all jobs will change as a result of the AI.”
Notably, global investment in AI is projected to reach $235 billion in 2024 . If current trends persist, this figure could soar to $630 billion by 2028 , according to data from the IDC. In an intermediate scenario, the automation of up to 30% of hours worked could occur by 2030, propelled by the rise of generative AI, as noted by The McKinsey Global Institute.
The future remains uncertain as we ponder which of these two industry magnates will ultimately be correct in their forecasts. What is evident is that both Musk and Huang have vested interests in this emerging landscape: Musk aims to popularize his humanoid robot, Tesla Optimus , while Huang seeks to fortify Nvidia’s leadership in AI and robotic systems for enterprises and households alike.
As we move forward, it is crucial to consider the implications of these technological advancements on our daily lives and job markets. The trajectory of AI and robotics could redefine work , leisure , and economic structures , creating a new paradigm for society.