Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has warned that artificial intelligence is advancing at such a rapid pace that it could outperform the combined intelligence of all humans within the next few years, describing the development as both revolutionary and inevitable.
Speaking in a press release on Thursday, Musk said current progress in artificial intelligence suggests that AI systems may become smarter than any individual human by the end of this year, and surpass the collective intelligence of humanity by around 2030 or 2031.
Musk explained that the speed of AI development has exceeded most expectations, noting that improvements in computing power, algorithm efficiency, and data availability are accelerating innovation across multiple industries.
According to him, the rapid advancement of AI is already reshaping sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, and scientific research, with autonomous systems increasingly performing tasks once considered exclusive to human intelligence.
He stated that artificial intelligence, combined with robotics, could unlock what he described as a future of “sustainable abundance,” where goods and services become widely available at low cost, potentially solving long-standing issues such as global poverty and low productivity.
However, Musk cautioned that such progress is not without risks. He stressed the need for careful oversight, warning that poorly managed AI systems could pose serious threats if safety and alignment measures are not prioritised alongside innovation.
The billionaire entrepreneur also highlighted energy supply as a major bottleneck for AI growth, explaining that while AI chip production is increasing rapidly, global electricity generation is not expanding at the same pace needed to support large-scale AI deployment.
Musk pointed out that countries investing heavily in power infrastructure, particularly renewable energy such as solar, may gain a strategic advantage in the global AI race, as access to reliable and affordable electricity becomes critical.
He added that AI’s growing intelligence would eventually reshape human purpose, as machines take over most forms of labour, forcing societies to rethink work, value creation, and social systems.
Musk expressed optimism about the future, saying that despite its risks, artificial intelligence represents humanity’s greatest opportunity for progress if developed responsibly. He urged governments, companies, and researchers to prepare for a world where AI intelligence may soon exceed that of humans, describing the coming decade as one of the most consequential periods in human history.
TRIUMPH OJO
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