We didn't automate muscles generally, only specifically. The leverage those specific situations have is so high it's worth it. Same with thinking, it's very far from automated generally. Maybe one day we'll have humanoid robots as generally physically capable, and AI as generally mentally capable, but that's a long way off. Until then there's still emmense value for humans in between the high-leverage areas, and even more value in adding some leverage throughout (like the first attempts at exoskeletons, or using Claude to help manage your daily tasks, etc.)

When you say a long way off, how far are you thinking, especially with self improvement on the horizon?

My bet is 3 or 4 years before the rocket really takes off, and then we start seeing capabilities improve incredibly quickly.