AI’s potential to disrupt the workforce is more profound than many anticipate, according to a leading computer scientist who argues that the technology might not just alter jobs but could eradicate nearly all forms of work.
This perspective aligns with the concerns of various tech experts. Bill Gates, for instance, has identified three specific jobs that may soon become obsolete due to AI advancements. Additionally, a recent study highlights 44 professions that are vulnerable to being replaced by AI.
Dr. Roman Yampolskiy, a professor of computer science renowned for his work in AI safety, asserts that the replacement of human workers by AI is inevitable.
The uncertainty, he cautions, lies in the timing of these transformations.
During an episode of The Diary of a CEO podcast, Yampolskiy discussed the widespread impact AI could have, stating that nearly all job categories are at risk. This includes professions ranging from taxi drivers and educators to the engineers responsible for developing AI technologies.
He remarked: “That is not even a question if it’s possible. It’s like, how soon before you [are] fired?”
Contrary to the views of some experts, such as Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei—who suggests that AI may eliminate half of white-collar jobs within five years—Yampolskiy believes this estimate falls short of the reality.
In his opinion, an astounding 99 percent of roles could be supplanted by AI and humanoid robots within the same period. He also predicts there will be no alternative solutions, such as retraining or transitioning to different sectors.
“Before we always said, ‘This job is going to be automated, retrain to do this other job,’” he explained. “But if I’m telling you that all jobs will be automated, then there is no plan B. You cannot retrain.”
Yampolskiy foresees unprecedented levels of unemployment around the world as a consequence of this shift.
He suggests that eventually, the only remaining jobs will be those where a human touch is specifically desired.
Interestingly, while this may appear to herald a dystopian future, Yampolskiy remains optimistic. He believes that people will gain something invaluable: time.
He projects that individuals may find themselves with 60 to 80 hours of leisure per week as work diminishes.
He noted: “We as a humanity, then we all lose our jobs. What do we do? What do we do financially? Who’s paying for us? And what do we do in terms of meaning?
“What do I do with my extra 60, 80 hours a week?”
Although Yampolskiy does not provide solutions to the financial implications, others, like Elon Musk, have suggested concepts such as a ‘universal high income.’ This idea posits that technological advancements could produce enough wealth to ensure everyone can lead a comfortable life, a notion Musk discussed with former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
If these predictions hold true, humanity could soon enter an ‘age of abundance,’ offering more free time than ever, but raising pressing questions about how to use it meaningfully.