The Future: Will AI and Robotics Take Over the World?

The relationship between humans and technology is complex and multifaceted. While technology has undoubtedly brought numerous benefits and opportunities, it also raises concerns about its impact on our lives, including the potential of subconscious control.

Back in 1968, almost five decades ago, Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, directed by Stanley Kubrick, introduced us to HAL 9000, a computer that communicated like a human … and against its crew. Other movies, such as Blade Runner, The Terminator, I, Robot, and others have also painted a scary picture of what can happen when technology or machines take control.

While many feel there is still a long time to go before AI and robots take over the world, in real life, AI has been around longer than most people think, and for the most part, it’s been pretty good for us. It’s been built into many products and services we’ve been using for years, and you probably don’t know it. Even with all the good things that technology provides us, people still fear AI and Robots. 

So, let’s jump to the top fears that seem to be most talked about. While there are many others, the ones listed below seem to find their way into headlines most often.

“AI and Robots will take over humans“

Hollywood films have reinforced irrational fears and fostered distrust towards machines – even though the stories are often completely unrealistic, to put it mildly.

Films like The Terminator resonate: it’s less about logic, more about psychological anxiety over losing control.

However, in these times of entertainment saturation, it’s evidently more necessary to distinguish between fiction and reality. This applies not only to individuals but also to the media in its reporting. 

The reality is that even robots with AI do not possess souls or follow a hidden agenda. A robot with advanced AI only does what humans allow it to do. And that’s precisely the point: The responsibility for robots’ behavior always lies with the humans who create them. Some films, like “I, Robot,” also explore this question.

Technology can do a lot, and computers are more powerful than humans when solving complicated tasks. But more powerful does not mean they have the capability to show empathy, compassion, and emotion when communicating with a customer or an individual.

Hence, for now, AI and robots are simply tools that will help humans with a range of tasks. This includes high-risk and complex jobs, as well as work in places where humans can’t go.

“AI and Robots will make us look stupid“

Although AI and robots are a powerful tool that may aid many industries in performing a range of tasks and in making better strategic decisions, it is increasingly clear that human interaction is still necessary.

Though technology has grown to the point where they are trusted with important jobs and judgments, it is still not at a position where it can completely imitate the human mind and decision-making process. Without human interaction, these technologies lack an ethical framework and may even harbor hidden prejudices.

Remember, AI and robotic machines are not created in a vacuum. They are created by humans, each with their own biases and imperfections, much like every web or app development project. Though they are potent tools, they won’t be of much use to humans if they can’t give considerate results as expected. Therefore, humans are responsible for making sure these tech models follow the guidelines and apply them in a way that is consistent with human expectations.

Hence, here’s the correct statement to say:  AI and robots won’t make us look stupid, only if we’re intentional about how we use it. As technology becomes more sophisticated human oversight and critical thinking becomes even more valuable. The most successful leaders won’t be those who rely on machines or bots for output, but those who leverage it to deepen their questions and sharpen their strategic planning.

As said by Jarad Cannon, Chief Technology Officer at Humanoid, “The phrase ‘Humans vs. Humanoids’ is a completely wrong frame. It’s not ‘Humans vs. Humanoids’, instead it’s ‘Humans with Humanoids’..

“Robots don’t make moral decisions; they act within predefined goals, based on what they’ve been trained to do. They don’t have intent. That’s why, for me, accountability lies with the people who design, deploy, and manage these systems”.

“AI and robots will take our jobs“

This is the most heard news and is feared by people all over the globe.

Many experts have given a transformative window of 10 to 30 years for AI/Robotics to reshape most jobs.

A McKinsey report projects that by 2030, 30 percent of current U.S. jobs could be automated, with 60 percent significantly altered by AI tools.

Whereas, Goldman Sachs predicts that up to 50 percent of jobs could be fully automated by 2045, driven by generative AI and robotics.

But one must remember that amidst this shift, there will be a new job opportunities changing the type of work that professionals do. These new roles will focus on developing, implementing, and managing AI and robotic systems, as well as roles that require human skills like creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving. 

It’s the kind of impact that the internet had upon its introduction. Chris Nicholson, CEO of machine learning company Skymind.AI, shares a similar view rooted in even more distant history.

“Everybody uses this analogy, but when the Industrial Revolution came, a certain kind of job disappeared,” Nicholson said. “But many jobs, and many [new] jobs, were created. There was a lot more work, but it was a different kind of work.”

Tips for CTOs: Practical ways to stay sharp

In reality, people will have to prepare and upskill for the new job roles, rather than just fearing the unknown and staying within the comfort zone.

 Build domain expertise as soon as possible

While AI and robotics handle a range tasks, CTOs need to invest deliberately in developing and maintaining expertise. This means continuous learning, staying current in the field, and literally staying ahead of what tech agents can do.

Shift from critic to strategic supervisor

Leaders should not just evaluate AI/Robots’ output— instead they should understand how they want it to work, monitor its reasoning process, and guide it as they would manage a team member.

Create a culture of questioning 

Leaders can hold regular ‘jam sessions’ where teams share examples of when AI or a bot broke, and how to prevent similar issues. This can help create a more safer and efficient place to work.

Build a strong network

Building a professional network can help gain support, insights, and potential job opportunities. It help one stay ahead of the competition.

AI and Robotics presents both tremendous challenges and outstanding opportunities. Knowing how to prepare for the upcoming new age world is critical—and it starts with a bold, proactive approach. By embracing continuous learning, strategic skill development, curiosity, and adaptability, one can turn this period of change into a springboard for success.

In brief:

The instinctive fear of humans towards the unknown is quite common. We approach anything new and different with the utmost caution. This behavior is as old as humanity and has helped us survive through history.

Likewise, AI and robots represent something completely new and signify an unknown future. But unlike wild predators, they are created by humans. Technology itself is not evil, ‘out of control’, or necessarily dangerous. What is dangerous is how we decide to use it. In essence, it right to say that: “Let’s just give it some time”.  As we navigate the journey, experts will certainly find a clearer way on how to live the futuristic world, which has no threats to humankind.