Technology entrepreneur Elon Musk has predicted that rapid advances in artificial intelligence and robotics could make work voluntary within the next 10 to 20 years.
Musk’s vision emphasizes a future where automation and AI have the potential to reshape the global economy and social structure, and where human labor may no longer be necessary for survival.
Musk spoke on the podcast “People by In a conversation with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath on WTF, he said, “My prediction is that in the future, working will be optional. People may play this in 20 years and say it was a mistake, but I think it’s right. Within 20 years, maybe within 10 or 15 years, with advances in AI and robotics, we will reach a point where working is optional.”
If you compare work to growing vegetables,
To explain his vision, Musk likened future efforts to choosing between growing vegetables at home and buying them at the store.
“As much as you can grow your own vegetables or go to the store and buy them, it’s much more difficult to grow your own vegetables. Some people enjoy it, and that’s fine. But it’s optional, and that’s how I see my future work,” he said.
Access to technology and products
Musk also pointed out that advances in technology could make it easier for everyone to access goods and services.
“I believe that as AI and robotics continue to advance, and they advance very quickly, work will become optional and people will be able to get the goods and services they want. If you can think of it, you can have it,” he said.
