In a strikingly aggressive forecast for the future of artificial intelligence, Verizon CEO Dan Schulman stated that we are on the verge of a structural transformation that will change humanity faster than ever before. Speaking at the Ford Pro Accelerate event in Detroit, Schulman estimated that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) will be a reality within the next 6 to 18 months.
The Compression of Time
“I think you’ll see the collapse of the 21st century in the next five to 10 years,” Schulman remarked, explaining that progress that would normally take 100 years will happen in just one decade. According to him, today's AI models are “the worst models we’ll ever use,” as their power increases exponentially every two months. Following the arrival of AGI, Schulman predicts the “era of quantum” in two years and the emergence of sophisticated humanoid robotics by 2030-2035.
Preparing for a Fluid Workforce
Verizon, with over 250,000 employees and contractors, is already preparing to transition from a structure with “very defined roles” to a “much more fluid organization.” Schulman announced a $70 million initiative to train American workers in new technologies, emphasizing that leaders must prepare for difficult scenarios rather than assuming the labor market will naturally adjust.
Physical Infrastructure Remains Essential
Despite Schulman's radical predictions, other CEOs on the panel highlighted the physical constraints of this revolution. PG&E’s Patti Poppe noted that, despite the digitization of the grid, there will always be a need for skilled technicians working in the field. Similarly, Chris Nelson of Stanley Black & Decker described AI as a “companion on the construction site,” citing autonomous drilling robots that take over repetitive tasks, allowing electricians to focus on more complex problem-solving.
Dan Peyovich of Dycom pointed out that the immediate challenge is not a surplus of workers displaced by AI, but a shortage of personnel to build the physical fiber and energy networks that the new technology requires.
