Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that within 10 to 20 years, human labor will become a choice like a hobby, thanks to artificial intelligence. He made these remarks at the annual Tesla shareholder meeting. Musk also suggested using Optimus robots to follow criminals as an alternative to prison.
At the annual Tesla shareholder meeting on November 21, 2025, CEO Elon Musk outlined a future where artificial intelligence transforms society profoundly. He predicted that in 10 to 20 years, no one will need to work, with employment becoming optional, akin to hobbies such as playing sports or growing vegetables. Musk described human labor as a "choice," emphasizing that the meaning of money would weaken as AI handles most tasks.
Musk, the world's richest man, highlighted AI's potential to eliminate the necessity of work altogether. This vision aligns with Tesla's advancements in automation, including the Optimus humanoid robots. During the meeting, he proposed deploying these robots to follow criminals, deterring crime without traditional imprisonment. "The company's Optimus robots should follow criminals to deter them from committing crime," Musk announced.
These statements reflect Musk's ongoing advocacy for AI integration into daily life, though they raise questions about economic and social implications. No specific timeline for robot deployment was provided, but the ideas underscore Tesla's focus on robotics and autonomy.
