Elon Musk has recently described a future where humanoid robots are a common feature of everyday life. At the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh, he forecast the widespread use of robots akin to "Star Wars" characters C-3PO and R2-D2. Musk is convinced that this revolution will raise productivity, resulting in what he refers to as "universal high income."
The key to this vision is the Tesla Optimus robot, with plans to make one million units per year.
While this spirit of optimism was welcomed, Musk also issued a stern warning about artificial intelligence. He referenced the frightening future in the “Terminator” movies as his own cautionary tale. Musk emphasized the need to develop AI in a positive way to avoid scenarios that sound like a doomsday scenario.
He reiterated the importance of regulations and ethics to guarantee that AI in the future is not a threat to humans and can help create the future that exists in the optimism of Star Trek.
Musk sees Tesla's Optimus robot as a possible game-changer for the economy. Through the automation of work in various industries, these human-like robots would revolutionize the labor force and boost economic production. The vision of robots taking over mundane jobs fits well into Musk's vision of a new economic order propped up by universal income.
Then again, there are challenges such as technology setbacks and geopolitical impediments that may slow down progress.
In addition to humanoid robots, Musk addressed the autonomous vehicle future. Tesla's robotaxis have been termed "four-wheeled robots," echoing the infusion of AI into transportation. Hints at releasing robotaxis in markets such as Saudi Arabia attest to Musk's eagerness to take AI-driven technology to a wider audience.
This innovation is aligned with the overall vision of robotics becoming part of daily life.
Elon Musk's forecast encapsulates the promise and threat of AI and robotics. While human robots and autonomous vehicles can drive unprecedented economic growth, risks from unregulated AI evolution are genuine.
The duality between "Star Trek" and "Terminator" visions points to responsible innovation. The fate of AI is suspended between cautious regulation, technological progress, and moral oversight to ensure it serves society and not against it.