In a bold vision for the future, Elon Musk has predicted that within the next 10 to 20 years, work will become optional for humans and money will cease to be relevant, thanks to rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Speaking at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington, D.C., Musk outlined a future where automation and AI-driven productivity could fundamentally transform society.
Work as a Choice, Not a Necessity
Musk told the audience that the rise of AI and humanoid robots will make it possible for humans to live without the need to work for survival. “Work will be optional,” Musk said, suggesting that people will only choose to work if they want to, much like participating in sports or playing video games. “It will be like playing sports or a video game or something like that — completely up to the individual,” he added.
This shift, Musk explained, will be driven by the ability of AI and robotics to handle the vast majority of labor-intensive tasks, from manufacturing and logistics to services and even creative work. With machines capable of producing goods and services at scale, the traditional concept of employment could become obsolete.
Money Will Become Irrelevant
Alongside the transformation of work, Musk predicted that money itself will eventually lose its significance. “If you go out long enough, assuming there’s a continued improvement in AI and robotics, which seems likely, the money will stop being relevant at some point in the future,” Musk stated. He emphasized that while fundamental resources like electricity and mass will remain constraints, the need for currency to exchange goods and services will diminish as automation leads to an abundance of resources.
Musk’s vision is rooted in the idea that unlimited automated production will eliminate scarcity, making it possible for everyone to access what they need without relying on traditional economic systems. “Robots plus AI equal unlimited production, which equals no scarcity, which equals no need for money,” he said.
A Utopian Future or a Dystopian Risk?
While Musk’s predictions paint a utopian picture of a world free from poverty and economic struggle, experts remain divided on the practicality and potential risks of such a future. Some argue that the widespread adoption of AI and robotics could lead to significant social and economic upheaval, particularly if the transition is not managed carefully. Questions remain about how society will adapt to a world where traditional jobs disappear and the role of money changes.
Nevertheless, Musk remains optimistic. He believes that the combination of AI and robotics will not only end poverty but also allow humans to focus on pursuits that bring them joy and fulfillment, rather than simply working to survive.
Global Implications
The U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, where Musk made these remarks, brought together leaders and visionaries from around the world to discuss the future of global investment, technology, and innovation. Musk’s comments reflect a growing interest in the transformative potential of AI and robotics, not just for individual countries but for the global economy as a whole.
As the world continues to grapple with the implications of rapid technological change, Musk’s vision offers both hope and caution. The coming decades may see a fundamental shift in how humans live, work, and interact with each other, driven by the relentless march of AI and robotics.