OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued a stark warning: a seismic shift is approaching, even more disruptive than fears of AI replacing white-collar jobs.
In a recent Bloomberg interview, Altman offered a glimpse into the near future. “The world isn’t ready” for the moment when humanoid robots are walking down the street, he said. “When people see robots pass by, it will feel like a scene from a sci-fi movie.”
However, he emphasized that this scenario is not far off. Altman described seeing “like seven robots that walk past you doing things or whatever. It’s going to feel very sci-fi.”
Altman predicted that AI will transform many occupations and completely replace some. Still, he added, “AI is, for sure, going to change a lot of jobs, totally take some jobs away, create a bunch of new ones.” While he strives to be transparent about AI’s potential, Altman admitted, “I can’t predict every detail,” acknowledging the uncertainty of technological disruption.
Meanwhile, OpenAI is now collaborating with Figure AI, a startup developing humanoid robots, to create machines designed for deployment in manufacturing, logistics, and retail sectors. The project aims to bring these robotic systems to real-world workplaces shortly.