Tech billionaire Elon Musk has predicted that artificial intelligence will eventually mean that no one will have to work.
This is with regards to what happened to be a very unusual “in conversation” event that took place between him and the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, towards the tail end of this week’s summit on AI.
Mr musk predicted during a 50-minute interview that paid labour would be rendered obsolete by technology.
He cautioned about robot-humanoids “that can track you down anywhere”.
The duo discussed that London was one of the top cities driving the AI field, and how such a transformation could occur in terms of education.
However, there were also some darker twists to the chat with Sunak acknowledging “people’s anxiety” regarding jobs being usurped along with them both agreeing on having a referee who would control super-computers in the future.
Speaking with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the last of Week’s Summit on Artificial Intelligence, this is indeed a very unusual ‘In Conversation’ event.
During the 50 minute interview, Mr Musk predicted future of the tech which would lead to job redundancy.E
Moreover, he cautioned against robot “humanoids” that have an uncanny ability to run after anyone.
They had a discussion about London as the center of AI where it would be used in teaching.
The chat also went sour at times as Mr Sunak acknowledged this “anxiety” in which some jobs can be taken away by robots, and they both agreed that there should be a “referee” to keep a tab on this super computer of the future.
Mr,Musk, an AI investor and owner of auto maker Tesla is known for this, developing AI cars with self-driving capabilities. Nevertheless, he has raised some concerns regarding the dangers of AI in relation to the society as well as to humanity itself.
He stated in his address to the audience that “there is a safety problem, particularly, with humanoid robots. At least, the car will not be following you into a building or up the tree.”
In response to this, Mr. Sunak, who is enthusiastic about investing in UK’s developing tech industry, quipped, “Not doing very well your argument!”
One does not expect to watch the president of this or any country have discussions on national issues with a man like Mr. Musk. Surprisingly, Mr. Sunak made his distinguished guest feel at home even though he was a guest in his party.
This should not come as a surprise considering he had once lived in California, the place where Silicon Valley is located, and has been known for loving everything about technology.
It happened as an affair in a great hall at Lancaster House, in the heart of London, where some personalities involved in tech. Amazingly, TV cameras were not allowed in and Downing Street instead issued their own footage.
There was no Q&A session and some reporters who showed up were told in advance that their questions would not be entertained.
Mr. Musk is a tech investor and an inventor who has invested in AI companies and fitted his self-driving Tesla cars with it. Still, he has revealed fear that AI might be detrimental not only to social norms but also to human race itself.
The security issue is more apparent with case of humanoids. “Car at least doesn’t come after one to a building or up a tree,” he told a crowd.
In reply, Mr. Sunak expressed his enthusiasm towards boosting investment in UK’s expanding tech sector with humor, “You are not sounding convincing”.
One does not see every day the PM of a nation holding talks with somebody on the scale of Mr. Musk. Nevertheless, Mr. Sunak came across as a gentleman who hosted an influential visitor.
There is nothing strange about that since he once lived in California, where Silicon Valley is located. Moreover, we know how fond he is of technology.
It was hosted by the former PM’s secretary of state at Lancaster House in London and featured representatives from different sectors of the tech world. Surprisingly television cameras were prohibited and footage from Downing Street was issued out.
However, others had reporters present, who however were instructed not to ask any queries.
While engaged in discussion, they considered what artificial intelligence benefits might be available. Mr. Musk noted, “My one son finds it tough to make buddies so a AI pal would be very useful in this case.”
They both agreed that AI can greatly help young people learn more than what any other tutor or teacher can do. Mr. Musk gave it more emphasis, calling the robot “the most patient of tutors.” Besides, they gave a wake-up call regarding the massive job losses to be expected
Mr. Musk asserted, “we are seeing one of the most significant forces ever,” and he further explained, “there exists an age when there won’t be any jobs – AI will do everything. However, people will have their own jobs when they feel like.” That’s a double edged sword – it is also one of the things that will make sense finding of purpose in life in future.
The benefits of utilizing artificial intelligence were also touched upon during their debate. Mr. Musk said that “one of my son is facing trouble with making friends and so, he can have an AI friend.”
In addition, both parties agreed on what AI may mean for young people’s education, where Mr. Musk sees it as “the best and most patient tutor.” Nevertheless, they also raised concerns over its power to displace other job opportunities.
As Mr. Musk put it, “This is what we call the most revolutionary force that ever exists, there is a time where even no job matters as AI takes care of everything.” He added, “At some point, people will be able to choose between having a job based on need and This is a dilemma for tomorrow – the problem of finding significance of life.”
Amid all the deep discussions, there were few new revelations about how the technology will be used and regulated in the UK, except for the prime minister’s pledge to enhance the government’s website using AI.
While Mr. Musk was one of the prominent guests at this week’s summit, it briefly seemed like the event with Mr. Sunak might be overshadowed. Just hours before it was set to begin, Mr. Musk used his platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to take a dig at the summit.
As Mr. Sunak was wrapping up his final press conference at Bletchley Park, Mr. Musk shared a satirical cartoon about an “AI Safety Summit.” In the cartoon, caricatures representing the UK, European Union, China, and the US expressed concerns about the potential catastrophic risks of AI in their speech bubbles, while their thought bubbles revealed a desire to be the first to develop it.
However, in the end, the two appeared to be at ease with each other, and Mr. Sunak, in particular, seemed in his element – perhaps even a bit starstruck by the controversial billionaire, whom he praised as a “brilliant innovator and technologist.”
From the perspective of onlookers behind the tech world dignitaries, it was difficult to determine who held more power in this duo. Was it Mr. Sunak, who asked questions of the celebrity tech billionaire, or was it Mr. Musk, who did most of the talking?
Regardless, both men aspire to influence the course of our AI future.
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