Boris Johnson recently shared an account of how artificial intelligence helped him resolve a household heating issue, illustrating the expanding role of AI in everyday tasks traditionally seen as requiring specialized manual skills. The incident occurred at Johnson’s home in Oxfordshire during a notably cold spell earlier this autumn.

Faced with a malfunctioning central heating boiler, Johnson initially attempted the usual troubleshooting methods, including adjusting controls and inspecting the system, but found the device’s electronic interface confusing. Typically, such a problem would require the intervention of a professional plumber, often leading to delays and significant cost.

Instead, Johnson turned to ChatGPT, an AI language model, to assist in diagnosing and fixing the boiler. By sending photos and describing the system’s components, he received guidance that gradually improved his understanding of the boiler’s controls and mechanics. After several hours of interaction with the AI, Johnson reported successfully restoring the boiler’s pressure and reactivating the heating system.

Johnson used the experience to highlight the broader implications of AI technology. He suggested that jobs once considered immune to automation, particularly those demanding physical skill or manual labor, may increasingly integrate AI as a tool for problem-solving and skill acquisition. This development, he argued, marks a significant shift comparable to past technological upheavals such as the replacement of beeswax candles by electric light or the transition from horse-drawn carriages to motor vehicles.

Acknowledging potential challenges, Johnson noted concerns around economic volatility and job losses related to the rise of AI, referencing recent corporate shifts such as Barclays Bank’s announcement of substantial job reductions amid investment in automation technology. However, he expressed optimism that these disruptions would eventually give way to new employment opportunities and greater overall efficiency.

Johnson called on future government leadership to capitalize on AI’s potential to streamline public sector operations, citing inefficiencies in areas like legal services, planning, and infrastructure projects. He suggested that harnessing AI wisely could reduce costs and accelerate progress in national priorities like housing development and transportation infrastructure.

While Johnson did not claim AI would entirely replace professions requiring manual expertise, he emphasized the technology’s capacity to democratize knowledge and empower individuals to solve complex problems independently. His personal success in reactivating his boiler through AI assistance, he concluded, exemplifies a broader technological revolution that is reshaping the boundaries of human skill and agency.