A former executive at global bank Citi has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) robots could outnumber human workers within the next few decades, as automation rapidly reshapes the global labour market.
Speaking on CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe” on Monday, the executive said advances in humanoid robotics are accelerating at an unprecedented pace. “You can already buy a humanoid today, which gives you a payback period versus human workers of less than 10 weeks,” he noted, highlighting the rapidly improving economic case for automation in industries ranging from manufacturing to services.
The remarks come amid mounting evidence that AI adoption is accelerating across sectors. Management consultancy McKinsey & Company recently projected that within just 18 months, the company expects to maintain roughly equal numbers of human employees and AI agents in its operations.
Economists say the trend could have profound consequences for employment, wages, and economic inequality. While automation promises higher productivity and lower operational costs, it also raises questions about job displacement, retraining needs, and the structure of the global workforce.
“Robots and AI agents are no longer experimental tools,” the former executive said. “They are commercially viable alternatives to human labour, and companies that fail to adopt them risk falling behind competitively.”
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Industries such as logistics, retail, finance, and customer service are already seeing rapid uptake of AI-driven solutions. Humanoid robots, warehouse automation, and advanced chatbots are increasingly handling tasks once performed by humans, from order fulfilment to complex data analysis.
Policy makers are grappling with the implications. Some advocate for retraining programs and universal basic income schemes to mitigate the social impact of widespread automation, while others call for taxation or regulation of AI technologies to manage the pace of displacement.
Despite concerns, the executive argued that the productivity gains from automation could benefit economies and societies if managed prudently. “We are entering a new era where AI can supplement human creativity and efficiency, freeing workers from repetitive or hazardous tasks,” he said.
Industry observers note that the adoption of AI will not be uniform. High-skilled sectors may see augmentation rather than replacement, while routine manual or cognitive roles are most at risk. Geographical and economic disparities may widen as countries with advanced AI infrastructure pull ahead in productivity and competitiveness.
McKinsey’s recent analysis suggests that while AI adoption is growing rapidly in corporate environments, broader workforce integration will require investment in digital infrastructure, education, and regulatory frameworks. Companies that embrace AI strategically could gain significant cost advantages, while laggards may face operational challenges.
The Citi veteran’s comments echo broader global debates over automation, job security, and the future of work. As AI capabilities continue to improve and costs fall, experts warn that businesses, workers, and governments must prepare for a labor market increasingly shared with intelligent machines.
“Understanding this transition is not optional,” the executive concluded. “The next few decades will be defined by how we integrate AI and robotics into the economy in a way that benefits society as a whole.”
