Ma is not the only tech billionaire to predict that AI will result in fewer hours spent working. Microsoft founder Bill Gates told Fox Business at the World Economic Forum in 2018 that machine learning will allow humans to be more productive. So "certainly we can look forward to the idea that vacations will be longer at some point," Gates said. "The purpose of humanity is not just to sit behind a counter and sell things. More free time is not a terrible thing."

Billionaire Jack Ma said Thursday envisions a bright new future for the chronically overworked: a 12-hour work week. According to Ma, a Chinese business magnate who helms mega-retailer, Alibaba, meteoric advances in artificial intelligence and reforms in education could mean many workers will eventually work only a quarter of their current weekly hours. Theoretically, that would mean working as little as three days per week for four hours each day, he said inconversation with Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, at an AI conference in China. Alibaba chief, Jack Ma (pictured above) thinks that with the proper advances in AI and the education system that workers could soon enjoy a 12-hour work week. 'For the next 10, 20 years, every human being, country, government should focus on reforming the education system, making sure our kids can find a job, a job that only requires three days a week, four hours a day,' Ma said at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai Thursday according to Bloomberg.

Billionaire Jack Ma, long an outspoken advocate for China's extreme work culture, says that people should be able to work just 12 hours a week with the benefits of artificial intelligence. People could work as little as three days a week, four hours a day with the help of technological advances and educational system reform, the Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. co-founder said at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on Thursday. He spoke on-stage with Elon Musk, the chief executive officer of Tesla Inc. who is building manufacturing facilities in the city. Ma cited electricity as an example of how developments in technology can free up time for leisure. "The power of electricity is that we make people more time so that you can go to karaoke or dancing party in the evening. I think because of artificial intelligence, people will have more time enjoying being human beings."