What will happen when AI and humanoid robots become cheaper than human labour, Matthias Linke?
In this episode of the SAATKORN podcast, I speak to Matthias Linke, author of *Homo Obsoletus* – Why humanoid robots will signal the end of our working day for good and how we can survive the 5th Industrial Revolution.
Matthias works as a project manager in the aerospace industry; he is the founder of WorldX GmbH and co-founder of the non-profit organisation WorldX e. V. His background ranges from business administration and organisational development to commercial law, as well as many years’ experience in management. His book begins with a provocative idea: what happens if AI and humanoid robots not only make our jobs easier – but render many of them economically redundant? And what does that mean for businesses, society, education and, ultimately, our own identity?
One quote that really stuck with me was: “We should start thinking now about what we actually want to be doing in 10 or 15 years’ time, apart from our jobs.”
Among other things, we discuss:
🤖 From automation to humanoid colleagues
Traditional industrial robots were expensive, inflexible and time-consuming to programme – AI-based humanoid robots, on the other hand, can learn by observation, adapt to our environment and thus fundamentally change the economic logic of automation.
🌊 The business tsunami
If a humanoid robot in mass production costs roughly the same as, or even less than, an average annual salary, the ROI calculation becomes extremely attractive for businesses – and competitive pressure could transform entire labour markets.
🧠 What remains when work disappears?
Work means not only income, but also structure, identity and purpose – which is why, according to Matthias, we need to start thinking today about education, income distribution and the question of where we will derive meaning and personal fulfilment from in the future.
Book prize draw
Matthias Linke is giving away a signed copy of *HOMO OBSOLETUS* on the podcast. – Good luck with your entry!
🔗 Further links
Matthias Linke on LinkedIn
Matthias
Linke’s website Homo Obsoletus – information about the book
🎧 Listen here: