Elon Musk has articulated a dual perspective on the future of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting both its transformative potential and its associated risks. In a recent appearance on the "All In" podcast, Musk, the CEO of Tesla, offered his views on the evolution of AI and humanoid robotics.

Musk anticipates that AI tools will soon surpass human capabilities across virtually all domains, suggesting an 80% probability that these advancements will benefit society. Nonetheless, he cautioned about a 20% risk of catastrophic consequences, including the potential for "human annihilation" if AI development is left unchecked.

Discussing Tesla's development of "Optimus," a humanoid robot still in progress, Musk envisions a future where such robots could revolutionize routine tasks such as landscaping, childcare, and pet care. He estimates that these general-purpose robots, projected to cost approximately $20,000 each, could become commonplace in households soon. Musk believes that as these robots assume tasks that humans prefer to avoid, "there's no actual limit to the size of the economy," according to Business Insider.

While acknowledging the significant economic and positive impacts AI could bring, Musk also addressed the societal challenges it may present. He foresees a potential "crisis of meaning" as AI and autonomous systems increasingly replace jobs traditionally valued for human labor. Musk expressed concern about how individuals will find purpose and structure their lives in a world where machines dominate.

Looking ahead, Musk predicts that robots could outnumber humans within 30 years. He projects that Tesla could reach a production milestone of one million Optimus robots annually within five to six years, though he admitted that his timelines are often optimistic. Despite these challenges, Musk noted that many people, particularly retirees, are already adapting to life beyond the workforce, suggesting that society may gradually adjust to this evolving landscape.

In addition, Musk touched upon his own future plans, emphasizing his intention to remain actively engaged in his work. He currently manages six companies, including his latest venture, xAI, an AI startup aiming to compete with OpenAI. Musk also mentioned his openness to serving as an advisor on a government efficiency commission if former President Donald Trump were to return to office, following Musk’s previous suggestion to establish such an initiative.