A sign that says "Stop hiring humans" from a company selling AI digital workers sparks reactions online: "It's totally dystopian."

Artisan AI introduced Ava, an innovative human-like digital worker, in December 2023, just before the mass launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT. Since then, the tech company has developed several "Artisans" trained as sales representatives, surpassing human performance. Ava not only automates the outbound sales cycle but also interacts with the human team through Slack. This artificial intelligence system is dedicated to searching and extracting information from the web in record times, using that data to personalize its sales presentations.

Based in San Francisco, the company also has other Artisans in its digital repertoire, such as Elijah, designed for customer support, and Lucas, who specializes in marketing. Founded by Jaspar Carmichael-Jack and Sam Stellings in 2023 and backed by Y-Combinator, Artisan AI has made its marketing campaign go viral. The slogan of its outdoor campaign is "STOP HIRING HUMANS!" This message has elicited diverse reactions, highlighting the dystopian nature of automation in the job market and its consequences for human employment.

The ads, which have been visible on the streets since late 2024, have been recognized for their impact, as, according to Carmichael-Jack, they have attracted a significant increase in digital activity and generated revenues exceeding several million. Reactions on social media have varied; some users expressed their discontent and concerns about the implications of replacing humans with artificial intelligence in jobs.

However, the co-founder has clarified that his intention is not to promote the elimination of human labor. In the company’s blog, he emphasizes that their goal is to use artificial intelligence to free people from tasks they do not enjoy, thereby improving the overall work environment. He highlights the importance of using technology to automate tedious functions, allowing workers to focus on more meaningful endeavors.