IBM CEO Arvind Krishna believes artificial intelligence will enhance programmers’ productivity rather than replace them. He estimates that AI will generate only 20-30% of code, contrasting with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei’s prediction that AI could write 90% of code within six months.
“There are simple use cases, but many complex ones where AI’s contribution will be zero,” Krishna stated. He sees AI as a valuable tool but not a revolutionary solution that will eliminate programming jobs. Instead, he suggests that AI will help programmers work more efficiently, allowing companies to develop more products and gain market share.
IBM’s AI Strategy and Future Prospects
IBM actively develops AI-powered products, including coding tools, but Krishna remains cautious about overestimating AI’s capabilities. In 2023, IBM announced plans to reduce hiring for roles that could be automated, yet Krishna compares AI’s impact to that of calculators or Photoshop—tools that enhance human work rather than replace professionals.
He acknowledges ongoing intellectual property concerns regarding AI training but believes the overall effect will be positive. “If the quality improves with these tools, then consumers benefit from better results,” he said. Krishna also predicts that AI tools will become more energy-efficient, with emerging methods like those from DeepSeek potentially reducing energy consumption to less than 1% of current levels.
AI vs. Quantum Computing in Scientific Progress
Despite AI’s rapid development, Krishna doubts it will lead to groundbreaking new knowledge, adds NIX Solutions. He believes quantum computing, an area where IBM is heavily investing, holds greater potential for scientific discovery. “AI learns from existing knowledge—it doesn’t seek out unknowns,” he noted, arguing that current AI will not achieve artificial general intelligence (AGI).
His stance contrasts with that of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who believes AGI could emerge within the next few years and drive major innovation. While AI’s role in coding and beyond is evolving, we’ll keep you updated on how these technologies develop.