Mechanize Aims to Replace Human Jobs with AI Agents

Tamay Besiroglu, an AI researcher, has launched a new startup called Mechanize on 18 April with a bold mission: to automate all work. This isn’t just about eliminating mundane tasks—Besiroglu envisions a future where AI agents handle everything, from white-collar jobs to broader economic functions.

The Vision: Full Automation

In a post on X, Besiroglu called for the "full automation of all work" and the "full automation of the economy." This provocative stance has sparked backlash on social media, with critics questioning the implications of a jobless future. However, Besiroglu argues that automation will lead to "vast abundance," enabling higher living standards and new, unimaginable goods and services.

Mechanize’s Role

Mechanize isn’t building the AI agents themselves—at least not yet. Instead, the startup aims to provide the infrastructure layer: data, benchmarks, and synthetic environments to support the development of AI agents. Besiroglu estimates the market potential by summing global wages: $18 trillion in the US and $60 trillion worldwide. "The market potential here is absurdly large," he said.

Focus on White-Collar Jobs

Initially, Mechanize is targeting white-collar work. Jobs involving typing, sorting, or emailing are particularly vulnerable. Besiroglu told TechCrunch that the goal is to enhance productivity, not necessarily eliminate jobs. He suggested a future where "each human worker has a personal crew of agents" to boost output.

Skepticism and Questions

TechCrunch raised the obvious concern: how does economic abundance work if no one earns income? While Besiroglu’s vision is ambitious, the practicalities remain unclear. Critics argue that automation could exacerbate inequality unless paired with robust social safety nets.

The Big Picture

Mechanize’s launch reflects a growing trend toward AI-driven automation. Whether this leads to utopia or dystopia depends on how society adapts. For now, Besiroglu’s ideas are stirring debate—and perhaps a glimpse into a radically different future.