In a bold forecast, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, predicts that by the year 2045, millions of individuals will inhabit space. This vision, shared during the Italian Technology Week 2025, suggests that robots will play a crucial role in facilitating these space travels.
Bezos is part of a cohort of billionaires who envision a utopian future shaped by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Contrasting this optimistic view are tech leaders who assert that AI could lead to widespread job loss and threaten the very fabric of civilization.
During his address, Bezos dismissed concerns about the implications of AI for humanity”s future. He emphasized that advancements in technology present exciting opportunities. “In 2045, we will have robots doing the work for us, and humans will venture to other planets, primarily by choice,” he stated. “We do not need people to live in space.”
He elaborated that he believes millions will be living in space within the next two decades, emphasizing the rapid acceleration of this development. “If any work is required on the surface of the Moon or elsewhere, we will be able to send robots to handle it, which will be far more cost-effective than sending humans,” he noted, countering the pessimistic rhetoric that has emerged since the launch of ChatGPT.
Notably, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and co-founder of SpaceX, have echoed similar predictions about life in space. Altman believes that in just ten years, university graduates will find themselves in entirely new and lucrative jobs in space. He expressed envy for younger generations, predicting that their early careers will seem “boring” compared to the opportunities that will arise.
Elon Musk has been a leading figure in promoting space accessibility. He envisions humans on Mars as early as 2028, with SpaceX set to launch uncrewed rockets in the coming year.
In contrast, Bill Gates has criticized the focus on space exploration among billionaires and world leaders. He argues that there are pressing issues on Earth that require attention. “Space? We have much to do here on Earth,” he stated during an interview with comedian James Corden.
Despite his skepticism about the push for space colonization, Gates remains optimistic about the potential of AI to transform the workforce. He envisions a future where a two-day workweek becomes standard, machines handle the labor-intensive tasks, and people have more time to pursue their passions. “If we step back, the purpose of life is not just to work,” he remarked, as reported by Fortune.
