Starbucks AI, Humanoids, and Job Displacement

1/ 40% of GDP Growth this Year is From AI

AI is now officially one of the main engines driving the global economy. The productivity gains, automation, and innovation it brings are reshaping nearly every industry.

2/ Gas & Coal are Key to AI

Massive data centers powering LLMs and AI systems are driving up demand for electricity at a staggering pace. Gas and coal, though not ideal environmentally, remain critical for meeting these surges in power needs. Until renewable infrastructure scales up, the AI boom is tethered to traditional energy sources.

3/ Starbucks to Go All-In on AI

AI-driven operations are expanding fast in retail and food service, and Starbucks’ decision to go all-in is a signal of what’s coming next. Imagine personalized drink recommendations, dynamic pricing, predictive inventory management, and robotic baristas. The wifi though, is a different story.

4/ Optimus Ramping Up Scale

What once seemed like science fiction is quickly becoming practical reality. With every iteration, Optimus becomes more capable, from basic physical tasks to adaptive learning in real-world environments. If Tesla succeeds in mass-producing humanoid robots, it could fundamentally change labor markets across manufacturing, logistics, and beyond.

5/ Industries AI Will Replace the Most

As discussed, jobs that require repetitive and rote tasks such as those in admin and legal are most likely to be replaced first!

But it’s not just about replacement; it’s also about transformation. New roles are emerging in AI oversight, data management, and creative strategy.