RIYADH: Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, shared his vision of the future at the Future Investment Initiative, suggesting that by 2040, humanoid robots could surpass the human population. During a panel discussion titled “The Future of AI,” Musk highlighted the rapid advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence. He predicted that there could be at least 10 billion humanoid robots, each priced between $20,000 and $25,000. Musk said the world is moving toward a future where robots can handle a variety of tasks, significantly altering labor dynamics, estimating that the cost of such robots would be notably low—around $25,000 for a versatile unit. He also voiced concerns about the existential risks associated with artificial intelligence. “AI poses a significant existential threat, and we need to address it seriously,” he remarked. To that end, he founded XAI to develop an AI that truly benefits humanity, explaining, “I created XAI to ensure we have an AI that genuinely cares for humanity’s best interests.” The conversation included insights into the future of transportation, with Musk asserting that “all cars will drive themselves—this is inevitable. They will be 10 times safer than human drivers.” Looking to the stars, he expressed enthusiasm about space exploration, stating, “I believe we can launch starships to Mars within two years.” He also predicted that over time, “most countries will develop their own AI clusters.” On demographic issues, Musk emphasized the critical role of birth rates in sustaining society: “If we don’t produce new humans, there’s no future for humanity, and all the policies in the world won’t change that.”