Artificial intelligence is entering a stage where self-replicating systems could build and expand their own infrastructure, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said. At Gitex Global 2025 in Dubai, he described a future where robots construct other robots and data centres replicate themselves.
He explained that this marks a new industrial phase that blends intelligence and manufacturing. Altman called it the next stage of the “gentle singularity.” He added, “Data centres that can build other data centres aren’t far off,” noting the shift is often overlooked.
Altman pointed out that AI often focuses on algorithms and code, while little attention goes to machines assembling hardware. He suggested these systems could operate without human supervision, potentially transforming global production.
The technology, he noted, may soon blur the line between digital intelligence and physical construction. This shift could make production faster, more efficient, and more scalable than traditional methods. Experts say it represents a fundamental change in industrial processes.
Peng Xiao, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi-based G42, connected the concept to the company’s “intelligence grid” vision. Xiao explained AI could act as a universal utility across energy, healthcare, and governance. He emphasized that nations could leverage AI to optimize multiple sectors simultaneously. “The UAE is moving from exporting oil to distributing intelligence tokens,” he said, highlighting the potential for global innovation.
Both executives stressed that intelligence costs could eventually align with energy costs. Altman added that large-scale deployment depends on nations managing power and data infrastructure efficiently. Without proper planning, they warned, disparities in access could create a global AI divide. Altman said, “The best way to avoid an AI divide is to make it cheap, available everywhere, and teach people how to use it.”
They also highlighted the need for coordinated global strategies to ensure AI benefits reach everyone. Collaboration among governments, enterprises, and research institutions will be essential. Innovation must be paired with careful regulation to mitigate risks. The executives urged proactive planning to safely scale self-replicating systems. These systems, they noted, could reshape economies if implemented responsibly.
Gitex Global 2025 hosted over 6,800 exhibitors in Dubai, showcasing the UAE’s ambition as a hub for AI development and infrastructure investment. The event emphasized partnerships between startups, enterprises, and governments.
Panels discussed technological breakthroughs and strategies for integrating AI safely into industry. Experts warned that self-replicating systems could dramatically change supply chains and manufacturing. They also emphasized the importance of ethical planning to avoid unintended consequences.
Altman and Xiao concluded that self-replicating systems could transform AI from a digital tool into a physical engine of industry. They suggested this evolution could bring new opportunities and challenges worldwide. The systems, they said, represent a major shift in how technology interacts with global infrastructure. Manufacturers, energy providers, and governments may need to adapt rapidly to remain competitive.
Industry observers predict that adoption could accelerate if deployment stays cost-effective and scalable. They note that the potential benefits are enormous, but careful oversight is crucial. Experts encourage international dialogue to establish standards and safeguards. Overall, the emergence of systems marks a new era of AI-driven industrial transformation.
