[mewpmewp2]

Maybe the resources, materials and land is the constraint here.

So whoever builds the first one will be able to quickly expand, buy more land and solidify their lead.

Land is likely what would cost billions in this specific scenario.

If you don't have land or materials then there is nothing your AI can do, because it doesn't have anything to build things from.

[Ajedi32]

I do think in the case where a company is benefiting from the exploitation of limited natural resources (like land) that don't naturally belong to any one person, imposing a tax on that does make sense.

There was a podcast I listened to on this subject "The Plunder of the Commons" which I found really interesting. [1]

That said, we're a long ways away from reaching the point where literally not having anywhere left on the planet to build becomes your primary obstacle to starting a business.

[1]: https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/the-plunder-of-the-com...

[kwere]

high tech "machinery" is the constraint for most capital intensive businesses