Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to “change everything,” according to Chuck Robbins, chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems. While the AI boom will create major winners, he warns there will be “carnage along the way.” Robbins believes the technology will have a bigger impact than the internet, even though the current AI market may be a bubble.
Cisco, a global leader in IT infrastructure, powers many of the systems that make AI possible. Robbins says that while some companies may fail, those that succeed will shape the future of AI applications and services.
Jobs Will Evolve, Not Just Disappear
AI will change or eliminate certain jobs, especially in customer service and other roles where companies need fewer employees. Robbins urges workers to embrace AI instead of fearing it. “You shouldn’t worry about AI taking your job as much as you should worry about someone skilled using AI taking your job,” he said.
Learning from Past Tech Bubbles
Experts see parallels between the AI surge and the dotcom boom of the late 1990s. Cisco itself was the world’s most valuable company in 2000 but lost 80% of its value when the dotcom bubble burst. Despite that, Cisco has recovered and now partners with companies like Nvidia to build essential AI infrastructure.
Robbins explained: “The winners emerge, and there is always some carnage along the way, but AI will be bigger than the internet.” He compared AI to iPhones, predicting new applications and uses will appear constantly.
AI and Online Safety Risks
AI will enhance cyberattacks and scams, Robbins warns. Cisco is exploring quantum technologies to help protect online systems. He added, “Every major tech revolution brings security risks, but the industry learns to protect against them.”
Global AI Leadership
While the U.S. and China currently dominate AI, Robbins sees potential for the UK to become an AI superpower. Countries that adopt AI effectively will gain an advantage, he said. “The UK has always been forward-leaning in technology,” Robbins added.
Embracing Dialogue in Business
Robbins also chairs the Business Roundtable, representing leading U.S. companies in discussions with the government. He noted that working closely with the Trump administration often works better in small groups rather than public criticism. “We may not always agree, but dialogue is key,” he said.
