Bill Gates Warns AI Could Transform Workers’ Prospects Worldwide Over the Next 20 Years
Microsoft founder Bill Gates predicts the world will face 20 years of upheaval before artificial intelligence (AI) ushers in an era of abundance. The changes could displace many human jobs, both in offices and in physical work.
In the latest episode of the Decoder podcast, Gates said the transition to that era would be one of the most turbulent periods in human history. He is concerned that the development of AI will create people who benefit and people who lose out.
“My big concern is this 20-year transition, when there will be winners and losers and a lot of disruption,” said the Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist, as quoted by Business Insider on Monday (26 October 2026).
Gates highlighted office jobs that could disappear as AI performs tasks more cheaply, quickly and accurately. Roles such as telephone sales, telephone support services and accounting are among those he considers vulnerable to replacement.
Meanwhile, humanoid robots could take over physical jobs. Gates said technological advances could enable robots to carry out a range of tasks that have so far required human labour.
“If we don’t choose to slow it down dramatically or stop it, then we’ll have robots that can build houses, grow food and perform surgery. And none of the things human labour provides to the economy will be needed for most goods and services,” Gates said.
He also described the changes as unsettling, even for him. Gates has used his resources to support efforts to eradicate malaria and address various humanitarian crises.
“And when AI says to me, ‘No, I’m better than you; go and play pickleball and I’ll come back after I’ve finished this, I’ll take care of it,’ I mean, that’s kind of funny, but it’s not really funny,” he said.
Gates believes work is more than a way to earn an income. It also provides purpose and routine, opportunities to build relationships with colleagues, and a chance to create things and solve problems. He expects some activities, such as art, sport, cooking and childcare, may remain human pursuits in the future, even if AI can do them better.