The future of work is on the brink of a monumental shift, driven by the advent of humanoid robots. According to Tony Seba and RethinkX, these robots will soon enter the labor market at a cost of under 1 per hour by 2035 and under $0.10 per hour by 2045. This rapid decline in cost-capability will inevitably lead to a significant disruption in the labor market, reshaping the way we think about work and productivity.
One of the most profound insights from RethinkX is that this disruption will focus on tasks rather than entire jobs. This means that while certain tasks will be automated, new roles and opportunities will emerge, creating an entirely new labor system. Productivity will skyrocket, and as a result, all products and services will become cheaper and better. This transformation will not only enhance economic efficiency but also increase overall prosperity, making it easier to tackle major social, economic, geopolitical, and environmental challenges.
Investing in humanoid robots is now seen as a matter of national interest. Countries that mobilize and invest heavily in this technology will likely lead the charge in this new era. The convergence of technologies enabling humanoid robots is happening now, and manufacturability is critical. As these robots become more prevalent, they will accelerate foundational disruptions in energy, transportation, and food, further amplifying their impact on society.
While technological unemployment is inevitable, the latent demand for labor will provide a crucial planning window for a soft landing. The demand for labor is so diverse that many firms will thrive simultaneously in the early years of this disruption. As we stand on the cusp of this new era, it is essential to re-evaluate our approach to automation and embrace the potential for a future of material superabundance and unprecedented prosperity.
