Geoffrey Hinton, the renowned computer scientist known as the godfather of Artificial Intelligence, recently stated that AI could replace a wide range of jobs as early as 2026. In an interview with CNN’s State of the Union, he explained that upcoming technological breakthroughs will impact even highly complex professions such as software engineering.
According to Hinton, AI systems are already capable of replacing jobs like call center roles. However, in the near future, they will be able to take over many more professions. He emphasized that this transformation is accelerating rapidly, and artificial intelligence will soon be able to handle long-term software projects that previously required large human teams.
Hinton noted that advancements in AI over the past few years have enabled this technology to handle increasingly complex tasks. He specifically mentioned that AI has progressed from performing simple coding tasks to completing projects that take up to an hour. This trend, he believes, will continue.
In the near future, AI will be capable of independently completing software projects that traditionally required several months of human effort. This marks a significant shift in the way complex digital products are developed.
The godfather of AI compared the current transformation to the Industrial Revolution, during which machines replaced human labor in many physical jobs. He believes artificial intelligence could similarly replace human intelligence in a wide range of cognitive and professional roles.
Hinton also expressed concern that the pace of AI development has surpassed his expectations. He is particularly worried about AI’s growing ability to reason and potentially deceive humans. He warned that advanced systems may eventually learn to protect themselves or act strategically to avoid being shut down.
Economists predict that by 2026, many jobs could disappear due to rapid AI-driven automation. According to Business Insider, this trend could lead to a phenomenon known as “jobless growth,” where companies increase productivity using AI without expanding their workforce.
At the same time, some forecasts suggest that artificial intelligence could increase hiring in specific areas, such as entry-level roles and AI-related specializations. Based on current predictions, companies are strengthening recruitment in engineering and AI-focused positions, while many existing jobs will evolve or disappear due to automation.