Google CEO Opens Up on the Future of AI Replacing Humans at Work

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Google CEO Sundar Pichai spoke about the future of AI, including the rise of AI agents with the ability to handle more specific tasks. Pichai said it is important to pursue transparency and user controls in its development, citing Geeky Gadgets, on Thursday 21 May 2026. AI agents offer personalised solutions and streamline everyday tasks. Geeky Gadgets explains the system is designed to perform repetitive activities automatically, provide contextual insights, and boost productivity. Tasks that can be performed include composing emails, analysing complex data sets, or managing your daily schedule, and even autonomously browsing the web. AI is also evolving into open-source and proprietary. The emergence of open-source AI models has originated in China and is becoming more popular due to adaptability, cost-effectiveness and accessibility. These models provide broad access to AI. Open-source models therefore offer wide access, while proprietary models usually excel in innovation, offering advanced features and superior performance. Pichai stressed that US innovation must maintain a competitive edge in this field. The choice between open-source and proprietary depends on factors such as reliability, security and the ability to meet user needs. In addition, Pichai also touched on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). This technology offers the potential to perform tasks across a range of fields with human-like intelligence; however, AGI also presents ethical and societal challenges. Pichai said a careful and collaborative approach is required in developing AGI, and he stressed cooperation between companies, governments and research institutions.