Why we must stop talking about artificial general intelligence — and instead build 'pro-worker' AI

Email Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Whatsapp X Save article View saved research Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world in front of our eyes. The concerns around AI, however, extend beyond the uncertainty and disruption that accompany any other radical technological change. They stem in part from the direction AI development has taken: many leading companies are engaged in a single-minded pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Why AI hasn’t caused a job apocalypse — so far AGI is generally understood as an AI system that can match or exceed human capabilities on most economically valuable tasks. In such a world, the automation of work would not be limited to specific industries or routine jobs. Instead, machines would take over many forms of work, including highly skilled professions. The consequences of this displacement of human labour would be unparalleled. To draw attention to this urgent public-policy challenge, I joined thousands of economists and AI researchers in signing We Must Act Now , a statement urging policymakers and technology leaders to steer AI towards complementing, rather than replacing, human labour. Studies of the US labour market suggest that, since 1980, automation has played a crucial part in increasing inequality by reducing demand for workers who perform routine tasks ( D. Acemoglu and P. Restrepo Econometrica 90 , 1973–2016; 2022 ). The adoption of industrial robots in manufacturing offers a clear example: evidence shows that although productivity has increased, many of the communities most exposed to automation experienced employment and wage declines ( D. Acemoglu and P. Restrepo J. Polit. Econ. 128 , 2188–2244; 2020 ). The dynamic already visible with industrial robots is likely to intensify as AI adoption expands. What is at stake is not only shared prosperity, but also our democratic system. Societies cannot remain stable if large numbers of people are excluded from economic opportunity. AI is transforming the economy — understanding its impact requires both data and imagination However, this outcome is not inevitable. Technology does not have a predetermined social purpose, nor does it dictate a single future. This is especially true of AI, which includes a range of technologies. The current focus is on automation: replacing human labour wherever possible. But there is another path. AI tools can also be designed to complement workers, enhancing their capabilities and productivity, rather than substituting for them. Such a pro-worker approach could deliver gains that are shared more broadly and could include stronger productivity growth. Take teaching, for instance. Rather than replacing teachers, AI tools could help them to identify areas in which students are struggling and enable teachers to provide more personalized support at scale. Policymakers could encourage this kind of worker-complementing innovation through regulation and targeted incentives. Enjoying our latest content? Log in or create an account to continue Access the most recent journalism from Nature's award-winning team Explore the latest features & opinion covering groundbreaking research Access through your institution or Sign in or create an account Continue with Google Continue with ORCiD Nature 656 , 795 (2026) doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-02566-6 Reprints and permissions Competing Interests The author declares no competing interests. Related Articles AI has entered the workforce: tax tech profits, not people Why AI hasn’t caused a job apocalypse — so far AI is transforming the economy — understanding its impact requires both data and imagination AI can supercharge inequality — unless the public learns to control it Subjects Economics Technology Policy Society Latest on: Economics Technology Policy How to end poverty and protect Earth: inside the debate tearing up economics News Explainer 15 JUL 26 Why there needs to be a global debate on inequality Editorial 15 JUL 26 Food systems transformation would reshape global agriculture Article 15 JUL 26 Investors’ sneak peak: can this AI tool spot the science that will lead to patents? News 20 AUG 26 Rudolph A. Marcus obituary: theoretical chemist who explained how electrons jump between molecules Obituary 19 AUG 26 Will you be wearing an exoskeleton in ten years? The tech that could change how we move News Feature 18 AUG 26 South Africa’s scientists must register with official body or risk prison, according to draft law News 19 AUG 26 Heatwaves expose weak links in food systems Correspondence 18 AUG 26 Treat biological databases as infrastructure, not projects Correspondence 18 AUG 26 Jobs Associate/Senior Editor, BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation You will contribute to the success of the BMC Series by supporting editorial handling of content in BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. New York City, New York (US) Springer Nature Ltd Faculty Position in Tissue Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology Dallas, Texas (US) The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UT Southwestern Medical Center) Faculty Position in Metabolism Research Dallas, Texas (US) The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UT Southwestern Medical Center) Faculty Position in Cancer Biology Dallas, Texas (US) The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UT Southwestern Medical Center) Associate or Senior Editor, Nature Materials Job Title: Associate or Senior Editor, Nature Materials Locations: Shanghai, Beijing, Milan or Pune - hybrid working model Application Deadline: 17... Shanghai, Beijing, Milan or Pune - hybrid working model Springer Nature Ltd