Wall-E: A cautionary tale of when AI takes over the world
One AI expert I spoke with believes that robots will take over most of the jobs that humans are doing today. Another expert disagrees, claiming it to be “far-fetched.”
It seems like the first expert might be correct because in Japan, robots are picking strawberries faster than human farmer can.
After cutting the ribbon on a new factory in California, Amazon is ramping up production of its bidirectional, self-driving cabs ahead of a planned launch in Las Vegas later this year.
Going forward, what other jobs will be lost to robots? If robots will indeed take over most, if not all, of the jobs from us, what will we humans do with our time then?
Wall-E: A Cautionary Tale
WALL-E is an animated science fiction film set in the year 2805. It tells the story of WALL-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter – Earth-Class), the last robot left on a deserted, trash-filled Earth.
For centuries, WALL-E has been diligently fulfilling his directive: compacting garbage. However, over time, he has developed a quirky personality, collecting interesting human artifacts and longing for companionship, watching old movie musicals for inspiration.
His monotonous existence is dramatically altered by the arrival of EVE (Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator), a sleek, advanced probe sent from the Axiom, a massive starship where the last of humanity lives in luxury, unknowingly controlled by their automated systems. EVE's mission is to find sustainable plant life on Earth, a sign that the planet might be habitable again.
When WALL-E discovers a tiny seedling and presents it to EVE, her programming kicks in, and she immediately goes into standby mode, safeguarding the plant. She is then recalled to the Axiom. Desperate not to be alone, WALL-E hitches a ride on EVE's ship, following her across the galaxy.
On the Axiom, they discover that humans have become incredibly obese, completely reliant on technology for every need, and almost entirely disconnected from their physical world and each other.
While a charming love story between two robots, the movie WALL-E may be a cautionary tale for twenty-first-century humans as we race towards an AI-dominated existence. Here are four lessons for your consideration:
Environmental Responsibility and the Dangers of Consumerism: This is perhaps the most overt moral. The film paints a stark picture of Earth completely buried under trash, a direct consequence of unchecked consumerism and corporate greed (epitomized by the "Buy N Large" corporation). It serves as a powerful warning about the devastating impact human activity can have on the environment and urges viewers to consider sustainable practices and responsible waste management.
The Perils of Technological Over-reliance and Sedentary Lifestyles: The humans on the Axiom spaceship have become completely dependent on technology for every aspect of their lives. They are transported in automated chairs, fed nutrient shakes by robots, and interact primarily through screens, leading to extreme obesity, atrophy, and a profound disconnect from reality and each other. The film critiques the potential for technology to isolate us and diminish our physical and emotional well-being if we become overly reliant on it.
The Importance of Human Connection and Active Living: In contrast to the passive, screen-addicted humans, WALL-E (and later EVE) embody curiosity, initiative, and a desire for genuine connection. WALL-E's simple acts of collecting treasures, his longing for a companion, and his determination to protect the plant inspire the humans to "wake up" and rediscover the joy of movement, interaction, and experiencing the world directly. The movie emphasizes that true living involves more than mere survival; it requires genuine connections, appreciation for nature, and active engagement with life.
Finding Purpose and Meaning Beyond "Survival": WALL-E, despite being designed for a monotonous task, develops a personality and a drive beyond his programming. He finds beauty and meaning in the discarded objects of humanity and a profound purpose in nurturing the last plant and helping humanity return home. This contrasts with the humans on the Axiom who are simply existing, their lives devoid of purpose or challenge. The film suggests that
true fulfillment comes from having a purpose and striving for something greater than just immediate gratification.
Ultimately, WALL-E serves as a timeless cautionary tale, urging humanity to reflect on its relationship with technology, consumerism, and the environment. Through the endearing journey of a small robot and a brave probe, the film delivers a powerful message: true progress isn't about effortless living or escaping problems, but about active engagement, genuine connection, and taking responsibility for our world and our future.
I am all for progress. But let’s keep in mind that PROGRESS COMES AT A PRICE. Have we counted the cost yet?