• Musk endorses 1B humanoid robot prediction by Holz for 2040.
• Tesla unveils Optimus, its humanoid bot, at AI Day 2021.
• Job concerns rise as Musk plans millions of Optimus robots in 3-5 years, sparking societal debates.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has endorsed a prediction by David Holz, founder of the AI research lab Midjourney AI, envisioning the presence of approximately 1 billion humanoid robots on Earth by the 2040s. Fox Business reported that Musk responded on X (formerly Twitter), expressing agreement with Holz’s forecast. Holz’s vision also extends to a hundred billion robots, primarily alien, being scattered across the solar system by the 2060s, contingent upon stable civilizational foundations.

Musk’s company, Tesla, has been actively involved in the field of robotics, notably with the development of the Tesla Optimus, also known as Tesla Bot. At Tesla’s AI Day in August 2021, Musk introduced the prototype and emphasized its potential significance, stating, “I think it has the potential to be more significant than the vehicle business over time.” Musk envisions producing millions of Optimus robots within three to five years, each with an estimated price tag of $20,000.

While the development of humanoid robots may seem unrelated to Tesla’s primary focus on sustainable energy, Musk views it as part of the broader mission to “make the future awesome.” This reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement.

The prediction of a surge in robotic presence, however, has sparked concerns about potential job displacement. As Musk pushes forward with plans to bring the Tesla Optimus to the market, fears about the impact on employment are emerging. The rapid proliferation of humanoid robots could potentially reshape industries, leading to a reevaluation of the human workforce’s role and sparking a debate about the societal implications of widespread automation.

Musk, acknowledging the need for further refinement of the technology, remains optimistic about the incredible potential of Optimus in the coming years. While the prospect of a future dominated by robots raises concerns about employment, Musk’s vision is aligned with his overarching goal of advancing technology and shaping a future that he believes will be “awesome.”

Also Read

Apple’s Vision Pro Sells Out Pre-Orders, Future Success Uncertain

Apple's Vision Pro sold 160,000-180,000 units fast at launch. Stable shipping times...