The “democratic socialist” from Vermont is sounding the alarm about AI and robotics, which, in his view, consists of a plot by billionaires to destroy the working class by destroying their jobs. As with much of what comes out of the senator’s mouth, the fears he expresses are overwrought, designed more to enhance his personal power rather than address a real problem.

IF THE ADMINISTRATION PANICS AT EVERY AI ADVANCE, IT DOESN’T HAVE A POLICY

AI, which is short for artificial intelligence, has become the latest next big thing. NASA gives a short definition of AI as, “computer systems that can perform complex tasks normally done by human-reasoning, decision making, creating, etc.”

Robots have been around for decades in one form or another. NASA defines robotics as “the study of robots.” Robots are machines that can be used to do jobs. Some robots can do work by themselves. Other robots must always have a person telling them what to do.”

AI and robotics are busily enhancing every aspect of human life. AI systems are helping doctors read scans to detect indications of diseases that might be missed by the human eye. They are also accelerating scientific discovery, finding cures for diseases, and other products. AI systems can become the basis for personalized education and customer service. They can optimize supply chains, reduce business costs, enhance productivity, and reduce fraud.

Robots can take over repetitive and dangerous tasks, whether on the factory floor or even, as the Ukrainians recently proved, on the battlefield.

In short, the advent of AI and robotics constitutes as profound a development as the industrial revolution of the 19th century and the information revolution of the 20th century.

Is there something to the fears being stoked by Bernie Sanders that the twin technologies of AI and robotics are going to wipe out millions of jobs? According to Johns Hopkins, the answer is a little complicated.

AI may well replace some jobs, such as paralegals and customer service reps. Robots will not replace all factory workers or rideshare drivers, but they will replace many of them.

On the other hand, many jobs will be changed and enhanced. Computer programmers will no longer perform the mundane task of coding software, but they will interact with and guide the AI systems that do. AI systems will not replace medical doctors but will greatly enhance their ability to diagnose diseases and treat patients. They will not replace teachers but will enhance their ability to teach students on a personalized basis. They will not even replace astronauts but will assist them in space exploration.

Previous technological revolutions have wiped out some jobs but created many new ones.

The Industrial Revolution wiped out a lot of agricultural jobs but created many more factory jobs. The Information Revolution wiped out many clerical and other jobs but created many more computer jobs.

The AI and Robotics Revolution will have a similar effect.

Sanders’s idea of standing athwart the path of history yelling, “Stop!” is not going to be productive. He is behaving like the early Luddites, breaking knitting machines in the early 19th century.

A better reaction to the new AI and Robotics Revolution would be to start an education program, both to train people in danger of being displaced and to prepare students for the future that awaits them. AI will not replace jobs that require personal service, creativity, and empathy. It will be a tool to enhance human productivity, not to replace it.

NASA ROLLED OUT PLANS FOR THREE UNMANNED MOON BASE MISSIONS BY END OF 2026. WHAT TO KNOW

Humans will be in the loop at all times. Movies such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Colossus: The Forbin Project, and the Terminator films, in which AI systems go berserk, bereft of human guidance, demonstrate why human involvement is necessary.

The AI and Robotics Revolution is coming whether people like Sen. Sanders want it or not. China is going pedal to the metal to integrate the technology into its economy. The United States will be left behind if it dithers, argues, and delays. The future depends on us not doing so.

Mark Whittington, who writes frequently about space policy, has published a political study of space exploration entitled Why is It So Hard to Go Back to the Moon? as well as The Moon, Mars and Beyond, and, most recently, Why is America Going Back to the Moon? He blogs at Curmudgeons Corner. He is published in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Hill, USA Today, the LA Times, and the Washington Post, among other venues.