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As Hong Kong universities recently hosted open days, students flocked to their preferred institutions, eager to explore. In this era of rapid AI development, young people inevitably grapple with choosing subjects and career paths for the future. Tesla's introduction of the Optimus robot, with its AI technology vastly different from previous robots, prompts questions about its implications for future job roles.

Optimus is anticipated to make its debut at Tesla AI Day in November 2024, with limited production planned for 2025 and mass market availability in 2026. Emphasizing collaboration with humans, Optimus can understand and execute verbal instructions, engage in seamless interactions, and enhance productivity in various tasks, including daily chores, logistics and handling, caring for the elderly and disabled, assisting teachers in instruction, healthcare duties such as transporting medical equipment and patients, service industry roles like guest reception and environmental maintenance, and even horticultural work like planting.

The Nature of Job Roles Matters

With AI robots boasting versatile applications, manual workers are poised to be the first to be replaced. AI-assisted tools for photography, music creation, and even artistic design have already come into existence. For professionals like doctors, lawyers, accountants, and engineers, the demand for manpower within these industries will diminish with AI advancements, particularly for middle and back-office roles. Jobs reliant on emotional intelligence have a comparative edge, such as those in psychology, social work, or complex decision-making roles in management and clinical judgment-dependent medical professions. While issues like data privacy and ethics posed by AI are not addressed here, one thing is certain: AI will bring revolutionary changes to humanity.

Tesla's Impressive Q3 Financial Results

Currently priced at USD 20,000, Optimus, like Apple's Vision Pro, is not affordable for the average household, thus failing to boost Tesla's share price. However, its recently released Q3 financial results were indeed impressive, demonstrating significant growth in both gross profit margins and projections for electric vehicle sales in the upcoming year.

For investors, AI technology remains in its developmental phase, with some distance yet to travel before reaching maturity, and thus there is currently no cause for concern regarding the potential for the bubble to burst.

Ruby Wong, ETF Business Development Director, Nikko Asset Management