Artificial intelligence will create demand for more workers rather than make humans redundant, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said during an appearance at the VivaTech technology conference in Paris on Wednesday.
Bezos rejected concerns that AI would broadly replace human labour and instead argued that the technology would remove barriers that currently limit productivity and opportunity.
Speaking about projects including his AI startup Prometheus, which is focused on accelerating physical manufacturing, he presented an optimistic view of AI’s role in the future economy.
His comments come as companies around the world continue investing heavily in AI while also pursuing efficiency measures and workforce reductions.
The debate over AI’s impact on jobs has intensified amid concerns from workers, unions and policymakers about automation and changing employment prospects.
Bezos said he disagreed with the view that AI would make people unnecessary and predicted the technology would ultimately contribute to labour shortages.
He argued that people have virtually unlimited ambitions and tasks to pursue, but are constrained by obstacles that advanced technology can help remove.
The remarks contrast with concerns raised by critics who fear AI could displace workers or reduce opportunities for those entering the job market.
Discussion around AI’s economic impact has expanded beyond software and chatbots into manufacturing, robotics and other physical industries.
At the conference, demonstrations highlighted how AI is increasingly being integrated into real-world applications, including robotics designed to work alongside humans in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing and hospitality.
Bezos also used the event to discuss long-term goals for space exploration and the future of Blue Origin.
He said one objective of expanding human activity into space is to move polluting industries away from Earth if access to space becomes reliable and affordable.
The Moon was presented as a key destination for future development, with Bezos describing it as a practical starting point for sustained human presence beyond Earth.
Discussion also focused on Blue Origin’s New Glenn program following an explosion during a ground test in Florida in May.
Blue Origin Chief Executive Dave Limp said reconstruction work at the launch site is underway and the company expects launches to resume before the end of the year.
The company continues to compete with SpaceX as both firms pursue a larger role in commercial spaceflight and lunar exploration.