Robots and Automation Systems: A Ubiquitous Presence by 2045

By 2045, robots and automation systems will permeate every corner of Earth. Self-driving vehicles will make transportation safer and more efficient, potentially injecting new vitality into the sharing economy. Robots will handle numerous daily tasks, from caring for the elderly and grocery shopping to industrial roles like crop harvesting and public facility maintenance.

As robots grow more mobile, agile, and intelligent, they will emerge as powerful warriors, assisting or even replacing human soldiers on the battlefield. AI software will find commercial applications, such as extracting meaningful insights from hundreds of terabytes of data, automating business services, and substituting traditional "people-centric" professions like customer service and teaching.

Yet, robots and automation also pose significant risks. Millions of workers displaced by machines could severely impact society, triggering economic and social instability. Automated network systems may become prime targets for attacks by rival forces. The use of robots and automation in conflicts could raise profound ethical and cultural challenges.