Satya Nadella dismisses idea of fully AI-run companies
What's the story
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has dismissed the notion of fully AI-run companies as a far-fetched idea. Speaking at a recent fireside chat with tech interviewer Matthias Dopfer, he said that while artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, the concept of businesses run entirely by machines without human involvement is still a fantasy. The discussion highlighted Nadella's balanced perspective on the future of work in an increasingly automated world.
Future of work
AI will enhance human capabilities, not replace them
Nadella emphasized that rather than making humans redundant, AI will augment our abilities. He envisions a future where workers use AI as a powerful assistant to automate time-consuming tasks. This shift would change the nature of work, allowing people to focus more on creative and strategic thinking. "You let the AI handle the basics while you use your judgment to shape the final result," he said at the event.
Impact on workforce
Automation will boost productivity and creativity
Nadella believes that automation will increase productivity and free people from monotonous tasks. He called this concept "macro delegation and micro steering," where workers give broad instructions to a set of AI tools at the start of their day. These tools do most of the work, returning with questions only when they hit a roadblock. This approach, he says, will pave the way for more creative and strategic thinking in workplaces.
Design and monitoring
AI's role in automated systems
Nadella also stressed that every automated system still needs human input for its design, monitoring, and troubleshooting. This is why Microsoft keeps investing in tools like Copilot, which are designed to assist workers rather than replace them. He believes that even as technology advances, work will still require human insight and empathy. "AI will change how we work," he said at the event.