In the Future of AI, We Are the Horses
It’s an old story: a disruptive technology emerges, and suddenly – the world changes faster than we can grasp. You might say it’s not the first time. But now, my friends, humanity itself is in the crosshairs. In a world being taken over by humanoid robots and artificial intelligence (AI), we – once the undisputed rulers of work – are now the horses, replaced by steam-powered carriages in the past.
But before we panic or rush to add programming languages to our resumes, let’s take a look at what the brilliant minds of Tony Seba, Adam Dorr, and Bradd Libby have to say about the impending “disruption of labor” by humanoid robots in their article on RethinkX. (Spoiler: It sounds a bit like science fiction, but it’s sadly very real.)
The Big Tipping Point: What Exactly Is a "Disruption"?
Before we all start writing sci-fi novels, let’s get a grip on what we’re talking about. The word “disruption” is often used when a technology so drastically changes an existing industry that it radically transforms it. Historically, such upheavals are often swift, ruthless, and unstoppable. There are no half-measures.
The ‘disruption model’ shows how quickly such changes happen.
Tony Seba and his colleagues developed the “Disruption Model” to show how quickly such changes can happen. And their predictions for humanoid robots and AI are not for the faint of heart. Imagine you’re a horse in the early 20th century, watching the first cars roll by – well, that’s pretty much what it feels like now.
Are We the New Horses? (Spoiler: Yes)
The authors use the analogy of horses to illustrate what might happen to us. When the automobile was invented, horses – once the backbone of transportation – lost their jobs. It looks similar for us, as humanoid robots increasingly take over our work. Humans could become redundant in many fields.
But hey, don’t panic just yet. We won’t be literally replaced by robots… or will we? There is, however, the danger that the nature of work, as we know it, could change drastically – and not in our favor. As AI advances, we will be less needed to perform everyday tasks. Machines will handle them faster, more accurately, and without coffee breaks.
Humanoid Robots: The Super-Worker Who Never Gets Tired
What makes humanoid robots so special? Well, it’s their ability to not just mimic human tasks but, in many cases, surpass them. According to Seba and his team, these robots aren’t just suited for simple, repetitive tasks but also for complex activities that were once considered irreplaceable.
From operating CNC machines to performing surgery – humanoid robots could soon be walking around our workplaces, making us feel redundant. And what will we do then? Watch them? Or take the dog for a walk while they run the world?
What’s Left for Us? (Besides Existential Dread)
Here’s where the RethinkX article gets a bit scary. The authors predict that many jobs could be replaced by AI and humanoid robots – and at an alarming pace. The disruption curve they outline shows how quickly technologies can spread once they hit a critical point.
And if you’re thinking, “Oh, my job is safe! I’m a creative thinker!” — I’ve got bad news. AIs like GPT can already write texts, paint pictures, and compose music. So, creativity alone won’t save us. Maybe we’ll all become professional slackline artists or dog trainers? But even that could one day be handled by a robot.
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Okay, before we all sit in the corner and pull out our hair: there are positive aspects, too. Seba and his team speak of a new era of possibilities. Yes, robots will take many jobs. But they will also create new ones – possibly in areas we can’t even imagine today.
Maybe, in the future, we’ll be “AI whisperers” or “robot psychologists,” helping humanoid machines better fulfill their tasks. Or we’ll develop completely new business models where humans and robots work together in perfect harmony. (That sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it?)
The Social Challenge: What Do We Do With All This “Free” Time?
Another aspect RethinkX touches on is the societal challenge this disruption brings. If robots take over most jobs, we’ll have more free time. That sounds good – until you realize that free time doesn’t necessarily equal prosperity.
We must ask ourselves: what will society look like when most people no longer “need” to work? Who will pay for our lives when humanoid robots take over jobs? Maybe there will be a universal basic income, or we’ll transform into a post-capitalist utopia where everyone does what they love without financial pressure.
But maybe not.
The Unstoppable Progress (and Our Hopefully Not-Too-Dark Future)
The authors of RethinkX are sure: the revolution through humanoid robots is coming – and faster than we think. This “disruption” will radically change our work environment and society. We stand on the brink of a new era where work, as we know it today, will largely be done by machines.
Perhaps we should prepare by acquiring new skills – skills that robots can’t easily replicate. In the future, we may value human relationships, emotional intelligence, and creativity more. But at the end of the day, the question remains: if robots can do everything better and faster – what’s left for us?
Conclusion: Buckle Up, It’s Going to Be a Bumpy Ride
The future of work is uncertain, and the predictions of Seba and his team leave us all feeling a bit uneasy. We are at a turning point in human history, where AI and humanoid robots will fundamentally reshape the workplace.
Maybe we really are the new horses being replaced by machines. But maybe – just maybe – we’ll find a way to shape this future rather than just watching it roll over us. In the end, it might come down to our ability to adapt and grow with technology rather than fighting it. One thing’s for sure: the saddles are tightening, and the ride is going to be fast.
With a wink and a queasy feeling, I sign off – and hope I don’t see this article revised by a humanoid robot in ten years...
The disruption by humanoid robots is coming – but what do you think? Are you ready for the future, or do you view it with mixed feelings? Leave a comment and let’s talk about it!
