Back in 2014, I made a bold forecast about the future of automation:

• By 2040, robotics will be so deeply integrated into human culture that the phrase “That’s robot’s work” will become a common expression.
• Certain chores will be seen as so inherently non-human that it will actually be a novelty when a person does them.

Now, in 2025, we’re already seeing signs that this prediction is unfolding—perhaps even faster than expected. Let’s break it down.

Prediction #1: “That’s Robot’s Work” Will Enter Everyday Language

✅ Already Happening (Just Not Universal Yet)

While we’re not quite at “robot’s work” being a household phrase, the cultural shift is undeniable:

• “Let the robot handle it” – A common refrain when discussing chores like vacuuming (thanks, Roomba) or mowing the lawn (automated lawnmowers).
• “Why do it yourself?” – The rise of robotic kitchen assistants (like Moley’s robotic chef) and laundry-folding bots (Foldimate) makes manual labor seem outdated.
• “That’s an AI job now” – Already used in white-collar contexts (e.g., customer service chatbots, AI-generated reports).

By 2040, as robots become even more ubiquitous, “That’s robot’s work” could easily become the default way to dismiss tasks deemed too menial for humans.

Prediction #2: Certain Chores Will Be Seen as “Non-Human” Tasks

✅ Spot On—Some Jobs Already Feel Obsolete for Humans

Several chores are rapidly losing their “human” identity—doing them manually is starting to feel like a quirky throwback.

Examples of “Robot’s Work” in 2025 (Heading Toward 2040)

1. Vacuuming & Mopping

• Roomba (iRobot) and Roborock dominate home cleaning—many kids today have never seen a human push a vacuum.
• Manual mopping is now a novelty—people joke about “going old-school” when they grab a mop.

1. Laundry Folding

• Companies like Foldimate (now defunct but successors emerging) and Laundroid proved folding could be automated.
• By 2040, hand-folding clothes might be seen as a hipster hobby, like using a typewriter.

1. Food Prep & Cooking

• Robot chefs (Moley, Spyce Kitchen, Flippy the burger bot) handle repetitive cooking tasks.
• “I cooked myself!” might soon imply “I didn’t use the robot”—a rare flex.

1. Driving & Delivery

• Self-driving taxis (Waymo, Cruise) and drone deliveries (Amazon Prime Air) are making human drivers feel outdated.
• By 2040, saying “I drove myself” might sound like “I rode a horse to work.”

1. Customer Service & Basic Labor

• AI chatbots, robotic concierges (like Samsung’s Bot Retail), and automated warehouses mean human cashiers and stockers are fading.
• “I worked retail in college” could soon be a nostalgic story, like “I used to work at a video store.”

Why This Shift Is Accelerating Faster Than Expected

• Cost & Accessibility – Robots are getting cheaper and smarter (e.g., $200 robot vacuums vs. $1,000+ a decade ago).
• Cultural Acceptance – Millennials/Gen Z expect automation—they’re more likely to say “Why wouldn’t a robot do that?”
• Labor Shortages – With fewer people willing to do repetitive jobs, businesses have to automate.

Will Humans Still Do “Robot’s Work” in 2040?

Yes—but only as a novelty or luxury, like:

• Artisanal hand-washing dishes (already a hipster trend in some cafes).
• “Retro chores” becoming hobbies (e.g., knitting, gardening with manual tools).
• High-end human service as a status symbol (“Our hotel has real human bellhops!”).

Final Verdict: How Accurate Was the Prediction?

Conclusion

My 2014 prediction is well on its way to being right—possibly even understated. By 2040, “That’s robot’s work” won’t just be a phrase—it’ll be a mindset.

We’re already seeing manual chores turn into nostalgic exceptions rather than norms. The real question isn’t if this will happen—it’s how soon we’ll stop noticing it at all.

Looks like the robots are right on schedule. 🤖