Artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to transform the way we live and work, and two of the most influential figures in this field, Jensen Huang and Elon Musk, have expressed contrasting opinions about the future of work in light of the progress of this technology.
A Different Work Future According to Musk
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has proposed an optimistic approach in which AI would displace a significant portion of human work, opening the possibility of a “high universal income.” According to Musk, in a world filled with robots, jobs would be optional, as “probably none of us will have jobs.” In his vision, humans would enjoy better services in healthcare, food, housing, and transportation, and people could dedicate themselves to leisure and personal development activities.
The Pragmatic Vision of Jensen Huang
In contrast, Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, has expressed his disagreement with Musk. Huang maintains that while AI will transform the labor market, it will not mean the end of work but rather a reconfiguration of it. During an interview with Fox Business, Huang revealed that his perspective is that instead of finding more free time, “I fear that in the future we are going to be busier than we are now.” He attributes this increase in activity to the fact that many tasks that currently consume a lot of time will be completed more quickly thanks to automation.
Huang believes that artificial intelligence will enhance labor productivity, and although some jobs will disappear, everyone will be affected by the changes that AI brings. He predicts that this will facilitate the possibility of enjoying more time in recreational activities, suggesting that there could be a different balance between work and personal time: “We will be able to spend more time on weekends traveling.”
Changes in the Labor Structure
The labor transformation driven by AI also refers to changes in work hours. Huang is optimistic about the economy, anticipating that “every industrial revolution leads to some change in social behavior.” In his opinion, the future could bring shorter workdays and an environment where most companies will have more innovative ideas than the time to execute them.
AI Market Data
Investment in artificial intelligence is growing exponentially. According to data from IDC, global spending on AI reached $235 billion in 2024, and if the trend continues, it is expected to exceed $630 billion by 2028. A report from the McKinsey Global Institute indicates that up to 30% of hours worked could be automated by 2030, driven by generative AI.
The Uncertainty About the Future of Work
The future of work remains uncertain, and the divergence of opinions between Musk and Huang generates an interesting debate about how AI will change our work lives. While Musk focuses on a future of unemployment with a universal income, Huang defends the idea of an expanding economy that maintains the need for active work.
Both influencers have significant stakes in this evolution: Musk is in the process of popularizing his humanoid robot Tesla Optimus, while Huang seeks to solidify NVIDIA's leadership in AI and robotic systems for businesses and homes.
Conclusion
The labor transformation driven by artificial intelligence is underway and is likely to see significant advancements before 2025. The opinions of figures like Jensen Huang and Elon Musk show that there are multiple possibilities on this path: a model where jobs are optional or one where people will be busier than ever.
To stay informed about how these evolutionary changes impact technology and work, you are invited to continue exploring more on this blog.
