AI robots may outnumber workers in few decades as firms ramp up investments (www.cnbc.com)

A former Citi executive, Rob Garlick, has forecasted that AI robots could outnumber human workers within a few decades as the demand for profitability drives companies to adopt automation. In a recent appearance on CNBC, Garlick highlighted that the financial feasibility of deploying humanoid robots is already favorable, with many able to pay for themselves in less than ten weeks by replacing human labor. He cited a Citi report projecting that the number of AI robots could soar to 1.3 billion by 2035 and over 4 billion by 2050, driven by advancements in technology and an economic environment that prioritizes cost-cutting. This rapid rise of AI agents is expected to transform the workforce significantly, with McKinsey & Company anticipating that the number of human employees will equal AI agents within the next 18 months. Companies like Tesla and Nvidia have also presented optimistic views on the future, suggesting that while AI may replace some jobs, it will also create new opportunities and potentially higher-paying roles in AI-related fields. However, concerns remain about the impact of AI on the labor market, as many organizations have already utilized AI technologies to justify significant layoffs. The conversation continues to evolve, sparking both fears and hopes for the future of work in an increasingly automated world.