Within the next two decades, work will cease to be a necessity—this is the conclusion reached by Elon Musk as he discussed the future of artificial intelligence and robotics. In his view, machines will soon take over nearly all tasks currently performed by humans. As a result, work will become more a means of self-fulfillment than an economic necessity.
Musk expressed confidence that technological progress is accelerating every year. He believes that within 10–20 years, most professions will disappear or be radically transformed, and working will become a matter of choice. People will be able to pursue what they love without worrying about financial obligations.
Technology and change
During a recent discussion, Musk noted that the development of universal robots and AI systems will mean all essential tasks are handled by machines. He compared future human occupations to hobbies, like gardening: you might grow vegetables for pleasure, even though it’s easier to buy them at the store.
According to the entrepreneur, if someone enjoys a particular routine, they will be able to continue working, but this will be purely a personal choice. Musk emphasized that such changes will be made possible by the sharp increase in productivity driven by new technologies.
A bold forecast
Elon Musk admits that his forecast may seem too optimistic or even fantastic. He wryly noted that in 20 years someone might look back at his words and deem them mistaken. However, the billionaire is confident: the pace of development in AI and robotics is so rapid that such a scenario is quite realistic—possibly even sooner than predicted.
“It is quite likely that in just 10 to 15 years, work will no longer be necessary for survival,” Musk said. He added that people will be able to choose what to do based on their own interests, rather than out of the need to earn a living.
Impact on society
Musk is convinced that the widespread adoption of robots and AI will lead to the elimination of poverty. He recalled his speech at the Tesla shareholders’ meeting in 2025, where he spoke about the Optimus robot. According to him, such machines will be able not only to perform routine tasks, but also to provide people worldwide with high-quality medical care.
In the future, Musk believes, robots will become an integral part of everyday life. They will take care of health, household chores, and even education, enabling people to focus on creativity, self-development, and personal interests.
Challenges and prospects
Despite his optimism, Musk acknowledges that such large-scale changes may raise concerns within some parts of society. Questions about social justice, income distribution, and the role of humans in this new world remain unresolved. However, the entrepreneur is confident that humanity will adapt to new conditions and harness technology for the greater good.
He emphasizes that a key factor for success will be society’s willingness to embrace change and rethink traditional notions of work and employment. Musk urges people not to fear the future, but to see it as an opportunity for growth and self-fulfillment.
If you didn’t know, Elon Musk is the founder of companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and several other innovative ventures. He is known for his bold predictions and active role in advancing future technologies. Musk has frequently spoken about the prospects of artificial intelligence and robotics, as well as the potential social changes their implementation may bring. His ideas spark widespread debate and are often discussed by both experts and the general public.
