AI Is Moving Fast, But Not Ready to Replace All Human Work

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates believes that artificial intelligence is advancing quickly, but it still has limits. In an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, Gates said that AI can already perform simple coding tasks, but the most complex programming work remains out of reach. He noted that experts disagree on how soon AI will reach this level—some think it could happen within one or two years, while others believe it might take a decade. Gates admitted he is “surprised” by the speed of AI progress, especially in gathering and summarizing complex information for research.

Impact on Jobs and Human Creativity

Gates also spoke about AI’s effect on jobs. He explained that AI can already take over specific roles like telesales or customer support, offering cheaper and more accurate results than humans. However, highly creative work—like developing new medicines—still relies heavily on human intelligence, with AI acting as a helpful tool rather than a complete replacement. He emphasized that productivity improvements are not necessarily bad, as they can free people to focus on education, smaller class sizes, or even more extended vacations.

Preparing for Major Changes

According to Gates, the real challenge is how quickly society can adapt to these changes. Blue-collar jobs could also be affected in the future when robotic arms become more capable. Gates said he is working with Microsoft and OpenAI to ensure AI benefits reach low-income countries, helping with health, education, and agriculture. He called the rise of AI a “profound change” that will require careful preparation and global attention.