Elon Musk told G20 technology ministers on Tuesday that one billion humanoid robots could exist within a decade and would produce more output than the entire human population combined.

Speaking virtually from the G20 Innovation Ministerial meeting in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Musk laid out predictions for artificial intelligence, humanoid robotics, energy constraints, and regulatory approaches. He estimated that AI would boost the global economy by 20 to 30 percent annually, adding roughly $20 trillion to $30 trillion in yearly output.

Musk said AI would soon handle any digital task by the end of next year, reaching a level where it could outperform humans in software development. He described humanoid robotics as an even larger shift, noting that robots would begin manufacturing more robots and create an explosive growth cycle.

The Tesla CEO warned of an immediate power crisis for AI data centers. He cited industry projections of at least a 15-gigawatt shortfall by 2027, as chip production grows 40 to 50 percent yearly while power capacity outside China expands far more slowly. Musk said his companies are building their own generation capacity and called on nations to expand electricity production to attract AI investments.

On regulation, Musk advised governments to keep rules minimal. He argued that new technologies should be default legal rather than default illegal and criticized European-style restrictions for slowing innovation. The meeting focused on the U.S.-backed Carolina Principles approach that favors industry self-regulation over heavy government oversight.

The session also featured remarks from other tech leaders on data center expansion and skilled labor shortages. Musk's comments came amid debates over AI infrastructure in the United States ahead of midterm elections.