AI goes economy-wide

Productivity growth has been uneven across many sectors and economies. But AI in the form of humanoid robotics could change that, extending automation into physical services at scale.

In this episode of Barclays Brief, Patrick Coffey is joined by Christian Keller, Head of Economics Research, to discuss what this shift could mean for productivity and the wider macro outlook. Keller explains that while a jobless future remains unlikely, the long‑running balance between labour and capital could continue to evolve as a broader range of tasks are automated.

The conversation explores how combining cognitive and physical automation increases capital intensity and raises the importance of inputs such as electricity and commodities. They also consider how these forces could influence inflation dynamics and interest rates.

As automation spreads into the physical economy, understanding where productivity gains may accrue – and what constrains them – becomes increasingly important. Listen now to hear the full discussion.

Clients can read more on Barclays Live:

•How humanoid robotics matters for macro

•Ten things to know about humanoids

•The decade of the robot belongs to China

•Embodied AI: Wealth creation or economic displacement?

Listeners can also hear more episodes about developments of physical AI:

•Robots deliver dinner and profits

•Rise of the humanoid robots

•AI Revolution: China’s Five-Year Plan

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