ABC News Daily Alan Kohler on robots and the future of work
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Dec 21, 2025 Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter, delves into the transformative potential of humanoid robots and AI's role in reshaping the workforce. He discusses Elon Musk's ambitions for mass-produced robots and their implications on jobs. Kohler warns of a future where robots could be akin to 'new slaves' and emphasizes the urgency for taxing AI-driven industries to fund social initiatives like Universal Basic Income. He also reflects on the psychological impact of job displacement and offers career advice for the next generation.
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AI Becomes Different When It's In A Body
- Humanoid robots turn AI from text tools into conversational, embodied agents that change interaction quality.
- Alan Kohler says this shift is qualitatively different and potentially revolutionary for labour dynamics.
Robots Are Already Working In Factories
- Companies already ship humanoid robots to factories and warehouses, including Chinese firms supplying carmakers like Volkswagen.
- Alan describes progress on hands and balance, noting a Russian robot even fell over on stage during an unveiling.
Robots Resemble Owned Labour For Capital
- Robots functionally act like owned labour — capital rather than employed humans — which is historically unprecedented for scale and politics.
- Kohler warns corporations will prefer owned robot labour because payroll is the biggest operating cost.