Ameca: World’s most advanced humanoid robot’s chilling answer to “Will AI take or jobs”

A witty, eerie encounter

Sporting a black dress, a red cardigan, white trainers, and a simple necklace—an outfit provided by the Dubai-based telco Etisalat—Ameca was free to engage with people rather than remaining confined to a display booth. 

When Daily Mail asked if robots would take human jobs, Ameca quipped, “I don’t know. How good are you at your job?” followed by the razor-sharp addendum: “It depends how good you are at it, I suppose.”

The conversation grew more dramatic when Ameca was asked if robots might “take over the world.” To this, it deflected: “That’s an interesting question, but not interesting for me to answer.” As it listened, processed questions, and delivered quick-witted replies, Ameca showcased an impressive level of AI-powered speech and facial expression. 

Ameca is an advanced lifelike humanoid that utilizes advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning systems combined with highly sophisticated facial expressions and movements. It is equipped with microphones, cameras mounted in its eyes, and facial recognition capabilities that enable startlingly human-like gazes. 

Its creators at Engineered Arts describe it as a work in progress, and while Ameca cannot walk yet, reportedly, they are working on an agile, full-bodied version that makes it even more humanlike. For now, it can be hired for events to exhibit how advanced humanoid robots can converse in everyday settings.

Could robots really replace us?

While Ameca’s responses might feel ominous, experts hold mixed views regarding the extent to which AI and robots will displace human workers. One perspective suggests that jobs requiring in-depth knowledge, like cardiovascular technologists or sound engineers, could face disruptions because robots might soon handle many tasks more efficiently. 

Meanwhile, roles involving physical labor, such as dredge or pile-driver operators, may remain safer, at least for now, given current robotic mobility and adaptability limitations.

In reality, the conversation is broader than mere job displacement. Leadership and creative roles often demand emotional intelligence and the capacity to innovate, areas where AI still struggles. Moreover, AI’s rapid evolution could also create new employment opportunities—particularly in the tech sector—ranging from AI maintenance to algorithm development. 

Proponents of this view argue that rather than eradicating jobs, AI may refine them, shifting human labor toward oversight and strategic tasks while delegating routine work to machines.

For now, Ameca’s parting message offers neither firm reassurances nor dire warnings. If anything, it serves as a reminder that the rise of AI is complex and ever-changing.

As long as we remain a step away from mindlessly automating entire industries—and depend on skilled humans to design, guide, and maintain automated systems—there’s room for debate about how soon they might replace our jobs. Yet Ameca’s razor-sharp comeback hints at an unsettling truth: AI progress may be faster than we think.