Amazon founder Jeff Bezos predicts AI will cause labour shortage

Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos predicted that artificial intelligence will produce a labour shortage rather than replace human workers during an industry address on Wednesday. The billionaire dismissed widespread societal anxieties regarding automation during an appearance at the VivaTech technology conference in Paris. His perspective directly challenges a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll published this month, which revealed that half of all Americans fear artificial intelligence could cost them or a member of their household a job.

The public sentiment data was compiled by Reuters and Ipsos, highlighting a sharp contrast with the executive's outlook. Bezos, whose wealth totals an estimated $250 billion, placing him as the fourth richest individual in the world, stated that the limits of human ambition are endless. He argued that the emerging technology will make it possible for those barriers to be taken down. "I totally disagree with this point of view," Bezos said of the redundancy fears. "AI is going to create a labour shortage."

Industrial space exploration plans

Instead of taking jobs away, the entrepreneur believes the technology will uncover opportunities that currently exist without fulfilment. He spoke on stage alongside Blue Origin Chief Executive Officer David Limp, who announced the process of rebuilding their New Glenn rocket launch pad in Florida. The aerospace facility had been destroyed due to an explosive incident back in May.

In addition to discussing the benefits of artificial intelligence, Bezos presented his vision for exploring outer space to restore the terrestrial environment rather than escape it. The long-term strategy relies on space travel becoming safe and cost-effective enough to acquire raw materials from asteroids, Earth-like objects, and the Moon.

Once these logistics are established, industries causing pollution can simply be moved out into space. "This garden planet can be returned to its pre-Industrial Revolution state," he said.

Aerospace and manufacturing competition

The presentation also highlighted Prometheus, a newly formed startup specialising in artificial intelligence and its application in fast-tracking manufacturing processes. The venture comes as Blue Origin remains in intense commercial competition with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, whose aerospace firm had its IPO last week. Musk has made several separate plans for the sector. These initiatives include building cities on the Moon and Mars, alongside launching dedicated orbital data centres for his own artificial intelligence infrastructure.