Bernie Sanders criticises Elon Musk and Bill Gates for AI, robotics views

US Senator Bernie Sanders has strongly criticised comments made by tech titans Elon Musk and Bill Gates about the future impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics on jobs.

In a video shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sanders questioned the tech industry’s aggressive push into AI and robotics, warning that bold promises are being made without serious discussion about real-world consequences. 

He took aim at the Tesla CEO for repeatedly suggesting that AI and robots could replace nearly all human jobs and make work optional.

Notably, Musk has promoted Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot as a tool that could lead to what he calls a “universal high income,” while also claiming robots could reduce crime and even perform complex tasks such as surgery in the future. 

He has argued that widespread AI adoption is the only path to making everyone wealthy.

Sanders also criticised Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, for comments suggesting that humans may no longer be needed for most tasks as AI technology advances.

Sanders asked how people would support their families if jobs disappear and how they would access healthcare without employment. 

He said there has been little meaningful debate in Congress about these issues.