The AI boom is really a race to own the future of human labor, a safety pioneer says (www.businessinsider.com)

In a recent interview, computer science professor Roman Yampolskiy emphasized that the current AI boom signals a pivotal change in the future of human labor, with investors betting on AI agents providing "free labor" on a massive scale. He explains that as AI technologies evolve from mere tools to autonomous agents, they threaten to automate a vast array of jobs, particularly those grounded in computer-based tasks like programming, accounting, and web design. Yampolskiy's assertions highlight a crucial economic and labor dynamic, suggesting that soaring valuations for AI companies reflect not only optimism for improved software but also a gamble on controlling future labor resources. Yampolskiy warns that this wave of AI is different because it targets the very foundation of cognitive work rather than isolated tasks, potentially leading to rapid job displacement. He anticipates that within five years, advancements will enable the automation of extensive cognitive and physical labor roles, a process likely accelerated by competitive pressure and the pursuit of cost-cutting, despite potential regulatory hurdles. His outlook is echoed by other AI experts who foresee dramatic employment shifts, stirring significant debate within the tech community about the balance between job transformation and loss as AI becomes integral to industries and society.