In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how we solve problems, one unassuming device stands its ground: the humble pocket calculator. While AI can stumble over basic math, calculators never falter—they simply work. But as smartphones and AI models advance, is the calculator’s reign coming to an end? Or does it still hold a unique place in our tech-driven lives?
Here’s the surprising truth: despite the rise of AI, Japan’s Casio continues to sell millions of calculators annually, even eyeing growth in developing regions. Why? Because calculators are reliable, affordable, and powered by batteries or solar energy—a game-changer for schools in areas with limited resources. Plus, there’s something satisfying about the tactile feel of pressing physical buttons, a sentiment echoed by users like Ms. Thitinan Suntisubpool, a Bangkok shop owner who praises her calculator’s durability after countless drops. And this is the part most people miss: calculators bridge language barriers in transactions, making them indispensable in multicultural settings.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while AI models like those from Google and OpenAI recently achieved gold-level scores at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), they still fell short of perfect scores—unlike their human counterparts. IMO president Gregor Dolinar calls AI’s progress ‘fascinating,’ but even he admits physical calculators are becoming obsolete for his students, who rely on smartphones instead. So, is the calculator’s reliability enough to secure its future, or will it eventually join the abacus in history’s dustbin?
Casio’s journey from the desk-sized 14-A calculator in 1957 to selling 39 million units in 2023 is a testament to its adaptability. Yet, sales have dipped from 45 million in 2019–2020, raising questions about its longevity. Meanwhile, the recent controversy over Christie’s auction of La Pascaline, a 1642 calculating machine, highlights humanity’s centuries-long quest to replace manual computation—a quest now accelerated by AI.
But here’s the bigger question: as AI becomes more capable, will we lose something tangible and trustworthy in our pursuit of progress? Calculators may not be as flashy as AI, but they’re consistent, accessible, and free from the ‘hallucinations’ that sometimes plague chatbots. So, before we write them off, let’s ask ourselves: what does the calculator’s persistence say about our need for simplicity in an increasingly complex world? Share your thoughts below—do calculators still have a place, or is it time to let them go?
