Elon Musk Says AI Could Be Smarter Than Any Human by Year-End, Predicts Robot-Driven Future at Davos

 

Davos, Switzerland — Jan 22, 2026 — Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk delivered a striking forecast at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, suggesting that artificial intelligence (AI) could become smarter than any human being by the end of this year or early next year. Musk, speaking during a panel discussion with BlackRock CEO Laurence D. Fink, said rapid advances in AI technology are pushing the timeline for super-intelligent machines much closer than many expect.

Musk told the audience that the current pace of progress could lead to AI systems surpassing collective human intelligence within the next five years, and possibly individual human intelligence by late 2026 or early 2027. He underscored that AI is evolving at an unprecedented rate, driven by leaps in computing power and advanced software.

The billionaire also spoke about the future of robotics, predicting that the integration of AI with robots could trigger a major economic boom. Musk said that humanoid robots — such as his company’s Tesla Optimus — are expected to enter public use once safety and performance standards are met, with broader deployment potentially beginning by late 2027. In his vision, robots could one day outnumber humans and handle tasks ranging from elder care to daily household chores.

While Musk remained optimistic about technological progress, he also highlighted potential challenges. He pointed out that energy — particularly electricity supply — could become a constraint for powering sprawling AI infrastructure, warning that AI chip production might soon outpace the world’s power generation capacity.

Musk’s comments at the forum reflect both the excitement and controversy surrounding the future of AI. Supporters say such advancements could revolutionise industries and improve quality of life, while critics caution that the rapid rise of super-intelligent systems raises ethical and safety concerns.

As global leaders and technologists continue to explore the implications of accelerating AI, Musk’s bold predictions add fuel to ongoing debates about how society should prepare for a future shaped by machines that may one day rival human intelligence.