Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has called for the creation of a category of jobs and responsibilities that should remain in human hands in the future, even in cases where artificial intelligence (AI) and robots could perform them faster or more efficiently.
Gates proposed while discussing the potential impact of AI on the global labour market, warning that technological advances could eventually go beyond a point where simply retraining workers for new jobs would be enough to address job displacement.
He proposed what he described as a “Human Reserved” approach, under which society would deliberately designate certain roles as requiring human participation, regardless of whether AI or machines are technically capable of performing them.
Gates cited childcare and participation in juries as examples of responsibilities that should continue to involve people because of the importance of human judgement, interaction and responsibility.
Gates does not advocate preventing AI from being used in professions such as education and healthcare.
Instead, he argues that people should remain at the centre of these sectors while AI is used as a tool to improve the quality and efficiency of their work.
Under this approach, teachers, doctors and other professionals could use AI to assist them rather than being completely replaced by automated systems.
Gates also suggested that some workers could receive temporary protection from AI-driven replacement as governments and societies adjust to the rapid changes brought by the technology.
Should robots and AI be taxed?
Another proposal raised by Gates is the possibility of taxing AI and robots.
He argues that governments should consider how automation could be taxed so that companies do not have an excessive financial incentive to replace human workers with machines simply because doing so reduces labour costs.
Revenue from such taxation could potentially help societies manage the transition and support people whose jobs are affected by automation.
Gates estimates that, more broadly, around 40 percent of jobs could initially be reserved for humans, although he acknowledges that AI is likely to have a major impact on the labour market.
His argument reflects a growing debate over how societies should balance the productivity gains offered by AI with the need to preserve human employment, dignity and meaningful participation in areas where human involvement remains important.
Rather than treating AI simply as a replacement for workers, Gates’ proposal suggests that societies should decide in advance where human involvement should remain essential, even when machines become capable of doing the same work.
KIGALI TIMES