Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant idea, it’s reshaping work right now. As companies race to cut costs and boost efficiency, fears about job security are growing. Now, one of the world’s leading AI pioneers is speaking bluntly about what comes next.
Yoshua Bengio, one of the world’s most cited AI researchers, says many cognitive, screen-based jobs are at serious risk of being replaced by artificial intelligence. He warns that automation is accelerating, layoffs are already linked to AI adoption, and even physical jobs may only be temporarily safe as robotics improves.
Why is AI accelerating job fears?
Artificial intelligence has moved from a theoretical concept to an everyday reality in a remarkably short time. Major tech companies are pouring billions into AI systems designed to perform tasks faster and more cheaply than humans. As a result, anxiety around job security has spread across multiple industries, as per a report.
According to the BBC, several companies have already pointed to the “new realities” of AI as a reason behind recent layoffs. Forbes has also predicted that by 2026, even more human roles will be replaced as businesses seek to reduce operating costs. Against this backdrop, warnings from top AI experts are being closely watched.
What did Yoshua Bengio say about disappearing jobs?
Yoshua Bengio, a Canadian computer scientist widely regarded as one of the “Godfathers of AI,” has offered a stark assessment of the future. Bengio, who won the 2018 A.M. Turing Award alongside Geoffrey Hinton and Yann LeCun, recently spoke on the Diary of a CEO podcast.
“It’s more a matter of time than ‘is it happening or not,’” Bengio told host Steven Bartlett. He explained that cognitive jobs, those performed behind keyboards, are especially vulnerable. These include roles that rely on analysis, writing, calculation, or digital decision-making.
While robotics has not yet reached the same level, Bengio noted that progress is visible. Referring to advice often shared by Geoffrey Hinton, he added that if you work in a physical trade, “you should be a plumber,” at least for now. Still, he cautioned, “I think it’s only a temporary thing.”
“Robotics is still lagging, though we’re seeing progress, so if you do a physical job as Geoff Hinton is often saying ‘you should be a plumber’,” then it’s gonna take more time,” he noted.
Are physical jobs really safer for now?
For the moment, jobs involving hands-on physical labor appear harder to replace. Bengio acknowledged that robotics is still lagging compared to software-based AI. However, he stressed that this gap will not last forever.
He also raised concerns about broader risks tied to AI advancement. According to Bengio, an AI system with harmful intentions could cause far greater damage if it gains control over physical machines. “AI is getting better at persuasion in more and more studies,” he warned, adding that the danger increases if systems can “hack robots to do things that you know would be bad for us.”
Which jobs are already considered at risk?
Microsoft has also weighed in on the future of work, releasing a list of 40 jobs it believes are at serious risk from AI. AI researcher Xinrong Zhu, an assistant professor at Imperial College London, agreed, stating, “These types of jobs are by nature most likely to be replaced entirely by the tool.”
The list includes historians, interpreters and translators, writers and authors, telemarketers, mathematicians, hosts, data scientists, web developers, and models, among others. Many of these roles are ones people are actively studying for today, intensifying fears about long-term career stability, as per a report by TOI.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor regarding any medical concerns.
FAQs
Which jobs are most at risk from AI?
Cognitive, screen-based roles such as writing, data analysis, translation, and telemarketing face the highest risk.
Are physical jobs safe from AI replacement?
Only temporarily. Experts say robotics is improving and could eventually replace physical labor too.