Bill Gates has predicted that artificial intelligence will replace doctors, teachers, and other professionals by 2035, marking the beginning of what he calls the “free intelligence” era.
In this future, expert-level services such as medical advice and tutoring will become widely available and free, especially helping underserved regions like India and Africa.
AI will not only transform white-collar professions but also expand into blue-collar sectors like construction, logistics, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Gates believes this shift will redefine the role of work in society.
As AI takes over more tasks, traditional full-time jobs may give way to shorter workweeks, early retirement, and more leisure time.
He suggests that societies will need to rethink concepts like productivity and purpose.
While this could lead to an age of abundance and affordability, he also warns about the risk of job loss and growing inequality.
Gates proposes universal basic income and fair wealth distribution to address these challenges.
Despite these changes, Gates does not see AI replacing all human roles. Jobs that require creativity, emotional intelligence, and genuine human connection — like therapy, art, and caregiving — are expected to survive.
He also stresses the need for responsible AI development to avoid problems like bias, misinformation, and monopoly power.
Gates urges young innovators to steer AI towards human-centred goals and global cooperation for equitable progress.