AI Expert Warns 99% Of Jobs Could Vanish By 2027, Says Only A Few Roles May Survive

Dr Roman Yampolskiy claims Artificial General Intelligence could arrive within two years, triggering massive disruption across industries.

A leading artificial intelligence expert has sparked widespread debate after warning that rapid advances in AI could wipe out the majority of jobs far sooner than expected.

Dr Roman Yampolskiy, a Latvian-born computer scientist and professor at the University of Louisville, has claimed that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) — AI systems capable of performing every cognitive task better than humans — could emerge as early as 2027. If that happens, he believes it could lead to an unprecedented collapse of traditional employment.

Speaking on The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett, Dr Yampolskiy said there is “virtually no profession that cannot be automated,” adding that up to 99% of jobs could disappear within the next five years.

“Even 10% unemployment is frightening, but AI could cause up to 99% unemployment,” he said, arguing that current AI systems already have the potential to replace around 60% of existing roles.

Dr Yampolskiy explained that computer-based and desk jobs would likely be the first to be replaced, followed by physical labour as humanoid robotics advances. By 2030, he suggested, machines may be capable of performing most forms of physical work, accelerating job displacement across sectors.

Unlike previous technological shifts that were designed mainly to assist humans, he warned that AI is moving towards operating independently, reducing the need for human involvement altogether.

He also expressed scepticism about retraining as a long-term solution. According to him, if AI becomes capable of doing everything humans can do, there may be no alternative career paths left to transition into.

Dr Yampolskiy said his projection is based on prediction markets and statements from leaders of major AI companies, noting that once AGI emerges, superintelligent systems far beyond human intelligence could follow soon after.

While his concerns extend to broader risks of superintelligence, his immediate warning focuses on employment disruption. He believes AI will outperform humans not only in technical work but even in creative industries such as media production, content creation and podcasting.

Despite the bleak outlook, Dr Yampolskiy identified a small number of job categories that may continue to exist, at least for some time.

These include personalised services for the wealthy, where high-net-worth individuals may still prefer human accountants or assistants. Emotion-centred roles requiring empathy and trust, such as certain therapy-based professions, could also survive in limited form.

He also suggested demand may remain for AI oversight and regulation specialists, intermediaries who help organisations deploy AI responsibly, and prompt engineers or specialised AI handlers, though he noted even these roles could shrink as systems become more advanced.

Dr Yampolskiy argued that societies may eventually need to consider economic models such as Universal Basic Income, as AI-driven productivity could generate enough resources to support populations without traditional employment. However, he warned that current social and economic systems are not prepared for such a shift.

The warning carries particular relevance for countries with large young populations and existing job pressures. While many experts urge governments to plan ahead through policy changes and skill development, Dr Yampolskiy believes retraining alone may not be enough to counter the scale of disruption AI could bring.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Predictions about future AI and employment are speculative and may vary depending on technological, economic and policy developments.