Elon Musk Predicts Future with More Robots than Humans at Davos
Musk’s First Appearance at WEF
Elon Musk, known for his previous criticisms of the World Economic Forum (WEF), attended the annual event in Davos, Switzerland, for the first time on January 22, 2026. During his appearance, he made bold predictions about the future, stating that robots will eventually outnumber humans.
Vision for Robotics and AI
In a start-on-start interview with BlackRock CEO and WEF co-chair Larry Fink, Musk discussed the goals of his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. He indicated that Tesla’s mission now encompasses a vision of “sustainable abundance” through robotics development. Musk highlighted that Tesla is working on a humanoid robot named Optimus and automated robotaxis.
“With robotics and AI, this is really the path to abundance for all,” Musk asserted. He emphasized that addressing global poverty and improving living standards hinges on advancements in AI and robotics. Musk believes that once robotics become ubiquitous, they will unleash an “explosion in the global economy.”
The Future of Humanoid Robots
Musk shared insights on the timeline for the availability of humanoid robots. Currently, Tesla’s Optimus robots are performing simple tasks within the company’s factories. He anticipates that by the end of 2026, these robots will handle more complex tasks, with plans to sell them to the public by the end of 2027, once a high level of reliability is achieved.
“My prediction is there will be more robots than people,” Musk noted, adding that humanoid robots could play a crucial role in elder care amid demographic shifts resulting in fewer young people.
Market Potential for Humanoid Robotics
According to Barclays analysts, the current market for humanoid robotics is valued between $2 billion and $3 billion. The investment bank forecasts that this sector could grow to a minimum of $40 billion and potentially reach $200 billion by 2035, as AI-powered robots enter labor-intensive industries such as manufacturing.
Musk’s Continued Critique of Davos
In previous years, Musk has been vocal about his concerns regarding the WEF’s influence, labeling it as “increasingly becoming an unelected world government that the people never asked for and don’t want.” At the forefront of innovations and manipulations in the tech industry, Musk remains a pivotal figure in discussions about the future of technology and its societal implications.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s presence at the WEF marks a significant shift in his relationship with the organization as he presents a compelling vision for the future shaped by robotics and artificial intelligence. As the potential for widespread automation grows, the global economy may witness transformative changes, with profound impacts on society.