Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has dismissed growing fears that artificial intelligence will replace large numbers of workers, arguing instead that the technology will increase demand for human labour and create new economic opportunities.
Speaking at the VivaTech conference in Paris, Bezos said he disagreed with predictions that AI would make people redundant, insisting that the technology could eventually lead to labour shortages rather than widespread unemployment.
“I totally disagree with this point of view,” Bezos said, referring to concerns that AI will replace human workers. “I think, in fact, AI is going to create a labour shortage.”
His comments contrast with warnings from several political and technology leaders who have raised concerns about AI’s impact on employment. Among them is former UK prime minister Rishi Sunak, who recently suggested that artificial intelligence is already affecting job opportunities for younger generations.
Bezos argued that AI should be viewed as a tool that helps people overcome limitations and unlock new possibilities rather than one that eliminates jobs. He made the remarks while discussing his latest venture, Prometheus, which focuses on accelerating manufacturing processes through advanced technologies.
While labour organisations have acknowledged AI’s potential benefits, concerns remain over its long-term impact on workers. The UK’s Trades Union Congress has previously warned that poorly managed AI adoption could lead to job displacement and growing inequality, although it also recognises the technology’s ability to improve productivity and create new opportunities.
Beyond artificial intelligence, Bezos also shared his ambitious vision for space exploration, saying humanity should establish a permanent presence on the Moon.
“We’re going to the Moon to stay, not just to visit,” he told attendees, highlighting the possibility of using lunar resources to support future space missions and infrastructure.
The billionaire entrepreneur also addressed recent challenges faced by his space company, Blue Origin, following the explosion of an uncrewed New Glenn rocket during a ground test in Florida earlier this year.
Although the incident was a setback, Bezos said the company was fortunate that key launch infrastructure survived the blast, allowing recovery efforts to progress more quickly. Blue Origin chief executive Dave Limp later confirmed that reconstruction work is underway and that launches are expected to resume before the end of the year.
The conference also showcased the rapid evolution of robotics and AI-powered machines. One of the biggest attractions was a humanoid robot developed by Unitree, which demonstrated its ability to respond to commands generated through brain activity using electroencephalogram (EEG) technology.
The demonstration offered a glimpse into a future where humans and machines interact more seamlessly, reflecting a broader trend in which artificial intelligence is increasingly moving beyond chatbots and into the physical world.
As competition intensifies in fields ranging from robotics to space exploration, Bezos remains convinced that AI will become a powerful driver of innovation, productivity and job creation rather than a threat to the global workforce.
