There's a case to be made that AI could help us eliminate many of the problems we face today regarding meeting basic human needs. AI could help automate processes that reduce the costs of producing food, shelter, medicine and education to next to nothing. AI could be used to actually improve our wellbeing. AI and the easing of human suffering aren't inherently mutually exclusive.

But based on the fact that it's corporations and intelligence agencies who are pursuing AI, I very much doubt we'll get this new nirvana. It remains to be seen, of course, but it would seem highly unlikely that their aims are anything but to maintain the status quo.