Workers Enable AI While Losing Control

This essay argues that workers who annotate data and remotely operate robots today are essential to training AI systems yet face displacement and loss of workplace control. It cites Nicolas Gourault’s short film Their Eyes, examples such as the Neo household robot (priced around $20,000) and 2025 reporting to show hidden, low-paid labor powering self-driving and domestic robots. The piece advocates worker ownership and strategic organizing to counter extractive corporate control.