this post was submitted on 03 Aug 2023
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Automation is massively reducing the required headcount for corporate bullshit jobs (most american jobs?). Instead of 20 people shuffling an excel file around we just have one python script.
Warehouses are becoming automated as well. Why have However many forklift drivers plus a maintenance department when you can just have a maintenance department. You might need a few new hires for the robots though.
And the forklifts removed dozens of jobs a piece in manual workers using hoists and pulleys to move material.
The fact that automation happens isn't the problem.
The fact that labor receives none of the benefit is the problem, and is exactly what the comic is pointing out.
Robots are made, programmed and maintained by humans. But fewer humans are required, true. Arduino, robotics kits and the entire stem world has been promoted to tackle this problem. It's not so expensive to organize schools this way, but the required staff to train kids is still missing. DIY can help a lot. The labor who couldn't benefit from this kind of edu should receive the basic income and be trained as much as possible.
I'm not sure we can think of a state-managed industry where robots work and people just have fun.