Artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved beyond software and algorithms into physical presences like robots working in offices, factories, and warehouses. According to Rob Garlick, a former senior executive at Citi, the combination of companies' drive for profitability and rapid technological advances is prompting what he describes as the 'largest job redistribution in history.' He warns that AI will not only perform tasks more effectively and efficiently but will also increasingly replace human workers, leading to significant shifts in the labor market.

Garlick's comments align with a report by Citi, which projects that AI robots, ranging from humanoid forms to cleaning robots and autonomous vehicles, could reach a staggering 1.3 billion units by 2035. By 2050, this number is expected to exceed 4 billion, highlighting a dramatic change in the workforce landscape. This shift suggests a future where robots could play an integral role in various sectors, potentially leading to significant socio-economic implications and concerns about job displacement and the future of work.

As the technology progresses, businesses may prioritize robotic solutions for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, prompting discussions about the need for policies and frameworks to address the resulting workforce challenges. The looming prospect of robots outnumbering human workers raises questions not just about employment but also about the nature of work itself and how societies will adapt to such profound changes in the labor dynamics.