Famed AI researcher Tamay Besiroglu has sparked controversy by launching a startup called Mechanize, whose ambitious goal is to automate all human work and fully automate the economy. The announcement, made on X (formerly Twitter), drew harsh criticism, not only because of its radical mission but also due to concerns about the impact on human employment and the potential reputational damage to Besiroglu’s well-respected AI research institute, Epoch. Besiroglu, who is known for his work in AI research and the founding of Epoch, which produces benchmarks and analyzes the economic impact of AI, detailed the market potential for Mechanize. He calculated that the aggregate wages paid to workers in the US amount to around $18 trillion per year, and globally, this figure is over $60 trillion. Initially, the startup will focus on white-collar work, aiming to provide data, evaluations, and digital environments that enable the automation of any job. The backlash on X was immediate and intense. Many users, including respected figures like Anthony Aguirre, expressed concern that while the automation of most human labor is a significant goal for companies, it could be detrimental to most people. Aguirre noted, "I think it will be a huge loss for most humans," highlighting the potential for widespread job displacement and economic inequality. The controversy also stems from Epoch’s recent history. In December, Epoch revealed a collaboration with OpenAI to create an AI benchmark, which OpenAI used to unveil its new o3 model. Many felt Epoch should have been more transparent about this relationship, raising questions about the impartiality of its research. When Besiroglu announced Mechanize, X user Oliver Habryka commented, "Alas, this seems like approximate confirmation that Epoch research was directly feeding into frontier capability work, though I had hope that it wouldn’t literally come from you." Mechanize has attracted notable investors, including Nat Friedman and Daniel Gross, Patrick Collison, Dwarkesh Patel, Jeff Dean, Sholto Douglas, and Marcus Abramovitch. Marcus Abramovitch, a managing partner at crypto hedge fund AltX and self-described "effective altruist," confirmed his investment, stating, "The team is exceptional across many dimensions and have thought deeper on AI than anyone I know." Despite the critics, Besiroglu maintains that fully automating labor could lead to significant economic benefits. He argues that this automation could create vast abundance, higher standards of living, and new, unimaginable goods and services. He points to a paper he published to support his vision. Besiroglu suggests that even if wages decrease, economic well-being can be maintained through income from other sources like rents, dividends, and government welfare. However,Critics counter that if humans don’t have jobs, they won’t have the income to purchase these goods and services. Besiroglu acknowledges the current limitations of AI agents, noting that they are unreliable, don't retain information, struggle with independent task completion, and can't execute long-term plans without veering off course. These issues are significant technical hurdles that need addressing to realize the startup's vision. Besiroglu is not alone in his pursuit. Major tech companies like Salesforce and Microsoft are also developing agentic platforms, as are numerous startups specializing in task-specific AI agents and training data. OpenAI is similarly working on improving agent capabilities. The race to create more reliable and efficient AI agents is intensifying, highlighting the legitimate technical challenges and opportunities in the field. While Besiroglu's vision may seem extreme, the technical issue he aims to solve is valid. Enhancing the reliability and capabilities of AI agents could lead to increased productivity and economic abundance. However, the ethical and socioeconomic implications of full automation need to be carefully considered. Besiroglu’s approach may initially benefit a select few, but the broader impact on society, particularly those who lose their jobs, remains a significant concern. Industry insiders are divided on the feasibility and the ethical ramifications of Mechanize’s mission. Some, like Marcus Abramovitch, see the potential for economic growth and innovative solutions, while others, like Anthony Aguirre, are wary of the negative consequences for the majority of workers. Epoch, founded by Besiroglu, has established itself as a leading AI research organization, known for its rigorous analysis and benchmarking. The announcement of Mechanize suggests a shift in Epoch’s focus, potentially alienating some of its supporters. However, the involvement of high-profile investors and the legitimate technical challenges addressed by the startup indicate that Mechanize is a serious, albeit controversial, player in the AI landscape. Mechanize is currently hiring, a clear signal that Besiroglu is committed to turning his vision into reality, despite the ongoing scrutiny and criticism.