Will Money Become Obsolete by 2036? Elon Musk Makes Bold AI Prediction

Muhammad Aman Ullah July 30, 2026

The True Post (Web News) – Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has sparked fresh debate about the future of technology and the global economy after predicting that artificial intelligence and humanoid robots could fundamentally reshape society within the next decade.

According to Musk, rapid advancements in AI and robotics may lead the world into an era of unprecedented abundance by 2036, where the traditional importance of money could be significantly reduced.

AI and Robots Could Transform the Global Economy

Musk believes that increasingly capable AI systems and humanoid robots will eventually outperform humans in producing goods and delivering services across a wide range of industries.

He argues that automation could dramatically increase productivity, making essential goods such as food, housing, transportation, and healthcare far more affordable and widely available. In such a scenario, scarcity—the main reason money holds value today—could become far less significant.

Economists Challenge Musk’s Vision

Musk’s comments have drawn criticism from several economists, including a Nobel Prize-winning economist who questioned the practicality of his prediction.

The economist reportedly challenged Musk by suggesting that if wealth and money are truly expected to lose their value in the future, he should donate his current fortune today. Musk responded to the criticism, fueling even more discussion across social media and economic circles.

Can Money Really Become Irrelevant?

While experts agree that artificial intelligence is likely to revolutionize productivity and reduce costs across many industries, many remain skeptical that money itself will disappear.

Economists point out that land, energy, natural resources, infrastructure, and the allocation of services will continue to have economic value, meaning financial systems are more likely to evolve than vanish completely.

A Future Shaped by Artificial Intelligence

Musk’s prediction has reignited conversations about how AI will reshape the global economy, employment, and everyday life over the coming decade.

Supporters believe AI could usher in an age of abundance where basic necessities become accessible to nearly everyone. Critics, however, argue that technological progress alone cannot eliminate economic inequality or the need for financial systems.

Regardless of whether Musk’s prediction proves accurate, experts agree that artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics are set to become major forces influencing the future of business, society, and the global economy.