Will Robots Steal Your Job? AI Pioneer Says 40% of Jobs at Risk! (Universal Basic Income Needed?)
AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton warns that artificial intelligence and robotics will lead to widespread job losses, preventing many from benefiting from increased productivity. While he supports a universal basic income (UBI), he argues that it won’t replace the sense of self-worth people derive from work. Hinton has discussed these concerns with policymakers, cautioning that AI will replace many blue-collar and mid-level intellectual jobs. However, he predicts that plumbing and similar manual labor jobs will remain secure due to AI’s struggles with physical manipulation.
The International Monetary Fund estimates that AI will impact 40% of global jobs, while UK reports suggest up to eight million jobs could be lost. Hinton fears that AI-driven economic growth will primarily benefit the wealthy, deepening social inequalities. This widening wealth gap, he suggests, could contribute to the rise of Right-wing populist leaders. Meanwhile, companies like Sainsbury’s are integrating AI to enhance customer service and streamline tasks.
In response to AI’s rapid development, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will co-host a global AI governance summit. Sunak is expected to highlight the need for international cooperation to ensure AI safety and maximize its benefits. A UK government source emphasized that, if properly managed, AI could improve quality of life and drive economic growth.
Will Robots Steal Your Job? AI Pioneer Says 40% of Jobs at Risk! (Universal Basic Income Needed?)
Geoffrey Hinton, a former Google vice president and a key figure in AI development, has raised concerns about the negative societal consequences of artificial intelligence and robotics. In an interview with BBC’s Newsnight, Hinton warned that widespread job losses due to AI advancements could prevent millions from benefiting from increased productivity. While he supports a universal basic income (UBI) to address financial hardships, he stressed that it wouldn’t resolve the deeper issue of people losing their sense of self-worth that often comes from employment.
AI Threatens Employment and Dignity
Hinton explained that although a UBI could help cover basic necessities like food and housing, it wouldn’t compensate for the loss of personal fulfillment tied to work. He noted that he had shared these concerns with policymakers at Downing Street, cautioning that AI is likely to replace many blue-collar and mid-level knowledge-based jobs. However, he predicted that certain trades, such as plumbing, may remain unaffected for the foreseeable future.
Manual Jobs Among the Most Secure
According to Hinton, jobs requiring complex physical interaction, like plumbing, will likely be among the last to be automated, as AI still struggles with dexterous manipulation. His concerns align with reports from the International Monetary Fund, which estimates that AI will impact 40% of jobs globally, and the Institute for Public Policy Research, which predicts AI could eliminate up to eight million jobs in the UK.
AI Could Worsen Economic Inequality
Since leaving Google in 2023 to advocate for responsible AI development, Hinton has emphasized the growing risks posed by artificial intelligence. While AI-driven automation can enhance productivity and economic output, he warned that the financial benefits would disproportionately favor the wealthy, deepening societal inequalities. He also suggested that worsening economic disparity could contribute to the rise of Right-wing populist leaders.
Meanwhile, AI continues to reshape industries, with UK retailer Sainsbury’s recently collaborating with Microsoft to implement AI-powered tools aimed at improving customer experiences and allowing employees to focus on essential tasks.
UK and South Korea Lead AI Discussions
On Tuesday, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will co-host a virtual summit with global leaders and technology executives to discuss AI governance. Sunak is expected to emphasize the importance of international cooperation in ensuring AI safety while maximizing its benefits.
A Whitehall source reaffirmed the UK’s leadership in addressing AI’s technological and societal implications, stating that with proper safeguards, AI could enhance quality of life and drive economic growth.
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