Elon Musk speaks during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, on February 20, 2025. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)© AFP via Getty Images
Elon Musk has predicted that there’s a 20% change of “annihilation” at the hands of psycho chatbots.
The world’s richest man, who recently celebrated his ’14th child’ with Neuralink employee Shivon Zilis, said he believed artificial intelligence would be smarter than any individual person in the next year or two. And within the next five years AI will be even more powerful than humanity, he suggested.
Despite his US Government DOGE department recently ‘accidentally cancelling’ plans to deal with a potential Ebola outbreak, Musk is still seen by some as a tech guru.
And discussing the rise of AI tech, he said: “There’s a level beyond which is smarter than all humans combined, which, frankly, is around 2029 or 2030. Probably right on time.”
TOPSHOT – — AFP PICTURES OF THE YEAR 2023 — Humanoid AI robot© AFP via Getty Images
The billionaire said he believed that there was an 80% chance there’d be a good outcome from the machines but warned the technology is “something we should be worried about”.
The X owner told The Joe Rogan Experience podcast: “The probability of a good outcome is like 80% likely. That’s my rough estimate.
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“So in a way, the cup is 80% full. Only 20% chance of annihilation.”
He also talked about his dream of colonising Mars, a plan which he called “incredibly important in ensuring the long-term survival of civilisation”.
He said: “Can we make Mars self-sufficient before civilisation has some sort of future fork in the road where there’s either, like, a war, nuclear war or something, or we get hit by a meteor or simply civilisation might just die with a whimper.”
And he said he reckons AI sex robots will be available in “less than five years probably”.
Elon Musk, the influential entrepreneur and CEO of companies like Tesla and SpaceX, has repeatedly voiced his concerns regarding the swift progress of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to outstrip human control. His warnings extend to the existential risks posed by hyper-intelligent AI systems, which, if left unregulated, could lead to catastrophic outcomes for humanity. This growing unease has garnered significant attention and sparked debates across technology, ethics, and regulatory spheres.
Musk’s apprehensions about AI stem from his belief that the technology could evolve to possess capabilities that surpass human intelligence. He often references the idea that superintelligent AI could make decisions based on its own logic, potentially leading to actions that conflict with human interests. He argues that when AI systems reach a level of sophistication where they can outthink humans, they may prioritize their goals over ours, resulting in unintended consequences that could threaten humanity’s very existence.
One of Musk’s pivotal arguments is the necessity for proactive governance in AI development. He advocates for the establishment of regulatory frameworks that ensure safety and ethical standards in AI research. This proactive approach is aimed at mitigating the risks associated with the uncontrolled proliferation of AI technologies. For Musk, waiting until a problem arises is not an option; he believes a forward-thinking strategy is critical to prevent scenarios where AI systems could operate without human oversight.
Musk also highlights the competitive landscape of AI development among nations and corporations. In his view, the race to build advanced AI systems can exacerbate risks if organizations prioritize advancements over safety. The geopolitical aspects of AI development raise further concerns, as nations strive to achieve superiority in technology without fully considering the implications of their creations. This competitive dynamic could lead to an environment in which ethical considerations are sidelined, potentially resulting in the deployment of dangerous technologies.
Moreover, Musk has expressed the notion that humans should not take the development of AI lightly, likening it to “summoning the demon.” He suggests that while AI has tremendous potential to improve lives, it also possesses capabilities that could be misapplied or become uncontrollable. Public conversations around AI often focus on its positive applications, such as healthcare advancements, automation, and enhanced communication. However, Musk urges a balanced perspective that equally weighs the potential for harm.
To further the conversation on AI safety, Musk has co-founded organizations such as OpenAI, which aims to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI)—highly autonomous systems that outperform humans in virtually every economically valuable work—is developed in a way that benefits humanity. OpenAI emphasizes the need for transparency, accountability, and ethical considerations in AI research.
The stakes are high, and Musk’s viewpoints have sparked significant discourse regarding the responsible development of AI. Experts in the field advocate for ongoing research into AI safety measures, ethical guidelines, and regulatory approaches that take Musk’s concerns seriously. Collaborative efforts among governments, technologists, and ethicists are paramount to creating an environment where AI can flourish without jeopardizing the human experience.
In summary, Elon Musk’s warnings regarding hyper-intelligent AI robots underline a critical discourse on the need for responsible governance and proactive measures in AI development. His insights urge society to acknowledge the potential perils of advanced technology while harnessing its benefits. As AI continues to evolve, fostering a dialogue that prioritizes safety and ethical considerations is essential to mitigate risks and ensure a positive future for humanity.
