Famed AI Researcher Launches Startup to Replace Human Workers

A new startup, Mechanize, founded by renowned AI researcher Tamay Besiroglu, has sparked significant debate with its bold mission to fully automate all human labor. Besiroglu, also the founder of the nonprofit AI research organization Epoch, announced the venture on X (formerly Twitter), stating the goal is “the full automation of all work” and “the full automation of the economy.” This announcement has drawn both criticism and concern, particularly regarding the potential implications for his research institute’s reputation.​

Trillion-Dollar Opportunity: The Market of Full Automation

In his announcement, Besiroglu highlighted the vast financial scope of the project, noting that workers in the U.S. are paid approximately $18 trillion annually, with the global figure exceeding $60 trillion. He emphasized that the startup’s focus is initially on white-collar jobs, aiming to provide the necessary data and digital environments to facilitate the automation of various professions.​

The response on social media has been largely negative, with many expressing skepticism about the feasibility and ethical considerations of such an endeavor. Critics argue that the widespread replacement of human workers with AI agents could lead to significant economic and social challenges.​

Despite the controversy, Besiroglu maintains that the automation of labor could lead to “vast abundance” and higher standards of living.He suggests that even if wages decrease, people still determine their economic well-being through other income sources, such as rents, dividends, and government welfare.

Technical Challenges and the Future of AI in the Workforce

Besiroglu acknowledges the technical challenges of developing reliable AI agents, but he believes that overcoming these obstacles could pave the way for a future where AI performs all work, potentially reshaping the economic landscape.

The launch of Mechanize has reignited discussions about the role of AI in the workforce and the potential consequences of widespread automation. As the debate continues, stakeholders from various sectors are closely monitoring the developments of this ambitious project.

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