We propose a Kardashev-inspired yet operational Autonomous AI (AAI) Scale that measures the progression from fixed robotic process automation (AAI-0) to full artificial general intelligence (AAI-4) and beyond. Unlike narrative ladders, our scale is multi-axis and testable. We define ten capability axes (Autonomy, Generality, Planning, Memory/Persistence, Tool Economy, Self-Revision, Sociality/Coordination, Embodiment, World-Model Fidelity, Economic Throughput) aggregated by a composite AAI-Index (a weighted geometric mean). We introduce a measurable Self-Improvement Coefficient $κ$ (capability growth per unit of agent-initiated resources) and two closure properties (maintenance and expansion) that convert ``self-improving AI'' into falsifiable criteria. We specify OWA-Bench, an open-world agency benchmark suite that evaluates long-horizon, tool-using, persistent agents. We define level gates for AAI-0\ldots AAI-4 using thresholds on the axes, $κ$, and closure proofs. Synthetic experiments illustrate how present-day systems map onto the scale and how the delegability frontier (quality vs.\ autonomy) advances with self-improvement. We also prove a theorem that AAI-3 agent becomes AAI-5 over time with sufficient conditions, formalizing "baby AGI" becomes Superintelligence intuition.

I am spending my last weeks on thinking about climate actions, sustainability and economical aspects of these. I listened to a lot of podcasts about these topics, and I have tens of notes from these podcasts. I decided to express my ideas about this topic. But no, it is not my turn to spread the ideas. Only thing I wrote for this article is headline and a couple of keywords.

As new technologies and creativity emerges, heralding the beginning of the fourth industrial revolution, what does this new era mean for the future of making things and our lives in a world of finite resources, and will progress be interpreted as a good or bad thing? Previous revolutions have had the most profound effect on'blue collar' workers. Now computers herald industrial revolution 4.0. What will be the impact on the'white collar' workers of today? This session explains what this new era means for the future of making things and our lives in a world of finite resources.