Elon Musk has outlined two distinct potential futures for artificial intelligence (AI), emphasising both its positive transformative potential and the risks it poses to humanity. Speaking on the "All In" podcast earlier this week, Musk, the CEO of Tesla, shared his insights on the progression of AI and humanoid robots.
He suggested that AI tools would soon be able to outperform humans in virtually all tasks, stating that the technology has an 80% likelihood of benefiting society. However, he also issued a stark warning, estimating a 20% risk of "human annihilation" due to the unchecked development of AI.
Musk discussed Tesla’s development of "Optimus," a humanoid robot still in the works, which he believes could revolutionise everyday tasks such as landscaping, babysitting, and dog walking. He projected that these general-purpose robots, which would likely cost around $20,000, could become a staple in households in the near future. According to Musk, once these robots take over many of the tasks humans no longer wish to do, "there's no actual limit to the size of the economy," Business Insider reported.
While Musk emphasised the economic potential and positive impact AI could have, he also addressed the societal challenges it might create. He predicted that AI and autonomous machines could lead to a "crisis of meaning" for individuals as they are replaced in jobs traditionally seen as essential to human labour. The question of what humans will do with their time in a world dominated by machines was a central concern in Musk’s analysis, as he noted that some people may struggle to find purpose.
Musk predicted that within 30 years, robots would vastly outnumber humans. He estimated that it would take around five to six years for Tesla to produce one million Optimus robots annually, though he acknowledged that his timelines tend to be overly optimistic. Despite the challenges AI presents, Musk maintained that many individuals, particularly retirees, are already enjoying life outside of the workforce, suggesting that humans may adapt to this changing landscape.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk also touched on his own plans, indicating that despite the rise of AI, he had no intention of stepping away from work anytime soon. Currently, he is involved in six companies, including his latest venture, xAI, an AI startup that is positioning itself as a competitor to OpenAI. He also hinted at his willingness to serve as an advisor in a government efficiency commission if former President Donald Trump were to return to office, following Musk’s earlier suggestion to create such an initiative.
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