The Era of Machines: Forecast of One Billion Humanoid Robots and $43 Trillion in Economic Revenue by 2040

The world is preparing for a fundamental change in the structure of society and the economy. According to Masayoshi Son, CEO of the Japanese technology giant SoftBank, one billion humanoid robots driven by artificial intelligence will be created by 2040.

During the company's annual conference, Son presented a bold forecast, according to which humanity will undergo a transition from a human-centered society to a world based on machines. He added that by 2040, there is expected to be 100 trillion AI agents—systems that will have the ability to self-replicate and create new digital entities.

Economic and Energy Surge
AI-based sectors are expected to generate around $43 trillion, representing nearly 20% of the global gross domestic product (GDP). However, this massive technological leap will require colossal infrastructure. According to SoftBank's forecasts, annual investments in AI infrastructure will need to reach $5 trillion.

One of the biggest challenges will be the energy deficit. To maintain the data centers serving these technologies, approximately 3 terawatts of electricity will be required—nearly double the current consumption of the entire world. After 2040, demand is expected to increase by 1 terawatt every year.

Adaptation or Rejection
Son emphasized that people should not try to resist these changes, but rather evolve alongside the new technologies. "The era of humans as the highest form of life will end," he stated, drawing attention to the need to adapt to the new reality.

In recent years, SoftBank has been actively directing its capital toward the areas that will drive this new era: semiconductors, robotics, and data centers.