The future automation of the workforce

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boognish_bear
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1:30p, 4/22/25
I run across interesting items from time to time related to this so figured I'd start a thread for it.

Obviously…automation has already arrived…but it's impact on the workforce is potentially about to really accelerate with advancements in AI and robotics.

Lots of potential economic, political, and ethical issues to be figured out.

I have seen some futurists speculate about massive loss of needed jobs and possibly the need for a universal basic income. Interesting times ahead.

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Redbrickbear
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In reply to boognish_bear • 1:43p, 4/22/25
boognish_bear said:
I run across interesting items from time to time related to this so figured I'd start a thread for it.

Obviously…automation has already arrived…but it's impact on the workforce is potentially about to really accelerate with advancements in AI and robotics.

Lots of potential economic, political, and ethical issues to be figured out.

I have seen some futurists speculate about massive loss of needed jobs and possibly the need for a universal basic income. Interesting times ahead.


Are you telling me when don't need 8 million to 15 million people imported into the USA every 4-5 years?
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EatMoreSalmon
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In reply to boognish_bear • 2:34p, 4/22/25
boognish_bear said:
I run across interesting items from time to time related to this so figured I'd start a thread for it.

Obviously…automation has already arrived…but it's impact on the workforce is potentially about to really accelerate with advancements in AI and robotics.

Lots of potential economic, political, and ethical issues to be figured out.

I have seen some futurists speculate about massive loss of needed jobs and possibly the need for a universal basic income. Interesting times ahead.


This unit appears to be using its balance to traverse the ground, but appears to have remote control. That would be preferred right now, as AI still doesn't recognize the landscape and environment particularly well.
It's coming for many such jobs, but it will be a few years before it becomes refined enough to not be closely guided.
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whitetrash
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In reply to boognish_bear • 2:38p, 4/22/25
boognish_bear said:
I run across interesting items from time to time related to this so figured I'd start a thread for it.

Obviously…automation has already arrived…but it's impact on the workforce is potentially about to really accelerate with advancements in AI and robotics.

Lots of potential economic, political, and ethical issues to be figured out.

I have seen some futurists speculate about massive loss of needed jobs and possibly the need for a universal basic income. Interesting times ahead.

That's fine now, until the robot lawyers start filing suits over exposure to Roundup.....
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midgett
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In reply to whitetrash • 3:47p, 4/22/25
whitetrash said:
boognish_bear said:
I run across interesting items from time to time related to this so figured I'd start a thread for it.

Obviously…automation has already arrived…but it's impact on the workforce is potentially about to really accelerate with advancements in AI and robotics.

Lots of potential economic, political, and ethical issues to be figured out.

I have seen some futurists speculate about massive loss of needed jobs and possibly the need for a universal basic income. Interesting times ahead.

That's fine now, until the robot lawyers start filing suits over exposure to Roundup.....


LOL. Sadly, you are probably correct.
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Porteroso
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3:52p, 4/22/25
The very first thing to do, before even thinking of UBI, is tax automation to the point where you can pay for retraining of every worker who loses their job. That includes jobs lost to AI. Identify similar fields, retrain the workforce.

If the taxes are high enough on automation, jobs won't be lost for small savings, and that's what you want. Only where automation is vastly better, should it cost a human a career.
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boognish_bear
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10:58a, 4/26/25
Ai and robot use in the military brings up another ethical angle...it's when it feels like we started getting into Terminator territory.

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Wangchung
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11:22a, 4/26/25
Seems weird to make the robots bi-pedal. Multiple legs and arms seems like it would be more efficient.
Our vibrations were getting nasty. But why? I was puzzled, frustrated... Had we deteriorated to the level of dumb beasts?

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Oldbear83
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In reply to Wangchung • 1:40p, 4/26/25
Wangchung said:
Seems weird to make the robots bi-pedal. Multiple legs and arms seems like it would be more efficient.
Makes them look more normal when China starts using them as cops in bad neighborhoods.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
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RD2WINAGNBEAR86
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In reply to Porteroso • 1:49p, 4/26/25
Porteroso said:
The very first thing to do, before even thinking of UBI, is tax automation to the point where you can pay for retraining of every worker who loses their job. That includes jobs lost to AI. Identify similar fields, retrain the workforce.

If the taxes are high enough on automation, jobs won't be lost for small savings, and that's what you want. Only where automation is vastly better, should it cost a human a career.
Develop and integrate automation so the government can tax it? That sounds like a Donald Trump move.
Call it a tax, the people are outraged! Call it a tariff, the people get out their checkbooks and wave their American flags!!!
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cowboycwr
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7:15p, 4/26/25
When are the robots coming to replace the trades like HVAC, electricians, plumbers, etc. that a poster guaranteed us all was about to start happening?
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Oldbear83
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In reply to RD2WINAGNBEAR86 • 7:47p, 4/26/25
RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:
Porteroso said:
The very first thing to do, before even thinking of UBI, is tax automation to the point where you can pay for retraining of every worker who loses their job. That includes jobs lost to AI. Identify similar fields, retrain the workforce.

If the taxes are high enough on automation, jobs won't be lost for small savings, and that's what you want. Only where automation is vastly better, should it cost a human a career.
Develop and integrate automation so the government can tax it? That sounds like a Donald Trump move.
Please show links to all the times Trump made it clear he wants to raise taxes.

And no, in this context tariffs do not count.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
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RD2WINAGNBEAR86
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In reply to Oldbear83 • 7:54p, 4/26/25
Oldbear83 said:
RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:
Porteroso said:
The very first thing to do, before even thinking of UBI, is tax automation to the point where you can pay for retraining of every worker who loses their job. That includes jobs lost to AI. Identify similar fields, retrain the workforce.

If the taxes are high enough on automation, jobs won't be lost for small savings, and that's what you want. Only where automation is vastly better, should it cost a human a career.
Develop and integrate automation so the government can tax it? That sounds like a Donald Trump move.
Please show links to all the times Trump made it clear he wants to raise taxes.

And no, in this context tariffs do not count.
A tariff is a tax on the American people, - not the "offending" countries. You just haven't figured that out yet. You have plenty of company.
Call it a tax, the people are outraged! Call it a tariff, the people get out their checkbooks and wave their American flags!!!
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Oldbear83
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In reply to RD2WINAGNBEAR86 • 8:01p, 4/26/25
RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:
Oldbear83 said:
RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:
Porteroso said:
The very first thing to do, before even thinking of UBI, is tax automation to the point where you can pay for retraining of every worker who loses their job. That includes jobs lost to AI. Identify similar fields, retrain the workforce.

If the taxes are high enough on automation, jobs won't be lost for small savings, and that's what you want. Only where automation is vastly better, should it cost a human a career.
Develop and integrate automation so the government can tax it? That sounds like a Donald Trump move.
Please show links to all the times Trump made it clear he wants to raise taxes.

And no, in this context tariffs do not count.
A tariff is a tax on the American people, - not the "offending" countries. You just haven't figured that out yet. You have plenty of company.
You misunderstand (shocking). Whatever we can say about tariffs, they have nothing to do with automation taxes.

Do try to keep up.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
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RD2WINAGNBEAR86
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In reply to Oldbear83 • 8:07p, 4/26/25
Oldbear83 said:
RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:
Oldbear83 said:
RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:
Porteroso said:
The very first thing to do, before even thinking of UBI, is tax automation to the point where you can pay for retraining of every worker who loses their job. That includes jobs lost to AI. Identify similar fields, retrain the workforce.

If the taxes are high enough on automation, jobs won't be lost for small savings, and that's what you want. Only where automation is vastly better, should it cost a human a career.
Develop and integrate automation so the government can tax it? That sounds like a Donald Trump move.
Please show links to all the times Trump made it clear he wants to raise taxes.

And no, in this context tariffs do not count.
A tariff is a tax on the American people, - not the "offending" countries. You just haven't figured that out yet. You have plenty of company.
You misunderstand (shocking). Whatever we can say about tariffs, they have nothing to do with automation taxes.

Do try to keep up.

You can put lipstick on a pig and call it "beautiful" over and over but it is still a pig. A tax is a tax no matter how hard one tries to dress it up.

I will do my best to keep up.
Call it a tax, the people are outraged! Call it a tariff, the people get out their checkbooks and wave their American flags!!!
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boognish_bear
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8:17p, 4/26/25
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Oldbear83
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In reply to RD2WINAGNBEAR86 • 8:24p, 4/26/25
Good luck.

Automation is a different problem from tariffs, which are different in both character and effect from income tax, and all of these are different from the border issues.

They affect one another but are also distinct.

Such distinctions are often lost in the noise, but they matter.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
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RD2WINAGNBEAR86
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In reply to Oldbear83 • 8:32p, 4/26/25
Oldbear83 said:
Good luck.

Automation is a different problem from tariffs, which are different in both character and effect from income tax, and all of these are different from the border issues.

They affect one another but are also distinct.

Such distinctions are often lost in the noise, but they matter.
Automation is coming whether we like it or not. There will always be someone that builds a better mousetrap. Robots don't call in sick, take medical family leave, they don't complain. They don't sexually harrass co-workers. They don't embezzle from the company. The government can tax the Hell out of automation, but it is still coming.
Call it a tax, the people are outraged! Call it a tariff, the people get out their checkbooks and wave their American flags!!!
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Oldbear83
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In reply to RD2WINAGNBEAR86 • 8:44p, 4/26/25
RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:
Oldbear83 said:
Good luck.

Automation is a different problem from tariffs, which are different in both character and effect from income tax, and all of these are different from the border issues.

They affect one another but are also distinct.

Such distinctions are often lost in the noise, but they matter.
Automation is coming whether we like it or not. There will always be someone that builds a better mousetrap. Robots don't call in sick, take medical family leave, they don't complain. They don't sexually harrass co-workers. They don't embezzle from the company. The government can tax the Hell out of automation, but it is still coming.
Automation in various forms has been here for decades, and there has been a lot of noise about it, sometimes sound, sometimes illogical, like all changes in structure and technology.

My point is you said Trump wanted to tax automation.

I simply asked for examples of Trump statements which support that claim.

Still waiting, hoss.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
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RD2WINAGNBEAR86
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In reply to Oldbear83 • 9:11p, 4/26/25
Oldbear83 said:
RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:
Oldbear83 said:
Good luck.

Automation is a different problem from tariffs, which are different in both character and effect from income tax, and all of these are different from the border issues.

They affect one another but are also distinct.

Such distinctions are often lost in the noise, but they matter.
Automation is coming whether we like it or not. There will always be someone that builds a better mousetrap. Robots don't call in sick, take medical family leave, they don't complain. They don't sexually harrass co-workers. They don't embezzle from the company. The government can tax the Hell out of automation, but it is still coming.
Automation in various forms has been here for decades, and there has been a lot of noise about it, sometimes sound, sometimes illogical, like all changes in structure and technology.

My point is you said Trump wanted to tax automation.

I simply asked for examples of Trump statements which support that claim.

Still waiting, hoss.
Trump's tariffs are the single largest tax of the American people in history. Do you really need more?

Yeah, Trump is claiming he wants to give EVERYBODY a tax cut! No taxes on tips. No income tax. No taxes on Social Security........blah.....blah....blah!!! Nice things to think about but at some point, someone has to pay the bills.

Call it a tax, the people are outraged! Call it a tariff, the people get out their checkbooks and wave their American flags!!!
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Oldbear83
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In reply to RD2WINAGNBEAR86 • 9:16p, 4/26/25
So, basically you still got nothing.

OK then.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
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RD2WINAGNBEAR86
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In reply to Oldbear83 • 9:36p, 4/26/25
Oldbear83 said:
So, basically you still got nothing.

OK then.
At least I still have my Hankamer School of Business education that pretty much taught me the negatives of tariffs. Professor Joe McKinney preached about Comparative Advantage in international trade. So much so that a career steel guy pretty much was against tariffs my 35-year steel career.

Section 201 back in 2001 was implemented by George W. Bush because steel was coming in from all over the world cheaper than the cost of most U.S. steel producers. His implementation was measured and wise. He tariffed the individual producers (steelmills), - not just the countries. The biggest dumpers paid the highest tariffs. He let them expire after 18 months. Bush literally saved the U.S. steel industry. Nothing like the blindfold and dart board, seat of the pants approach we are seeing from Trump.
Call it a tax, the people are outraged! Call it a tariff, the people get out their checkbooks and wave their American flags!!!
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Oldbear83
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In reply to RD2WINAGNBEAR86 • 9:43p, 4/26/25
The immediate issue was automation.

Automation is a very different thing from tariffs, except for China's unemployment problem.

My MBA was concentrated in Accounting, but I can still notice China has a very big problem with unemployment for workers under 30.

That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
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cowboycwr
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In reply to boognish_bear • 10:01p, 4/26/25
boognish_bear said:


If whichever company using AI can get the results tested in labs by medical companies and the information out before the medical/pharmaceutical companies stop it. They don't want cures. No money in cures. But there is money in endless treatments.
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Assassin
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10:03p, 4/26/25
Not AI but there isnt a thread for it and I don't want to start one!

"An unexamined life is not worth living." - Socrates
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RD2WINAGNBEAR86
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In reply to Oldbear83 • 10:47p, 4/26/25
Oldbear83 said:
The immediate issue was automation.

Automation is a very different thing from tariffs, except for China's unemployment problem.

My MBA was concentrated in Accounting, but I can still notice China has a very big problem with unemployment for workers under 30.

Did Accounting Prof David McBurney tell you his joke the first day of class?

Here it is:

What is the definition of a computer?

It is an accountant with a personality!


AckAckAckAck!!! I have always loved that one.
Call it a tax, the people are outraged! Call it a tariff, the people get out their checkbooks and wave their American flags!!!
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Nguyen One Soon
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10:51p, 4/26/25
I first heard about the "Factory of the Future" about 20 years ago. It consists of a machine, a man, and a dog. The machine is there to do the work. The man is there to feed and water the dog. The dog is there to be sure the man, or anyone else, doesn't touch the machine.
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boognish_bear
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3:07p, 4/27/25
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Oldbear83
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In reply to RD2WINAGNBEAR86 • 3:26p, 4/27/25
RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:
Oldbear83 said:
The immediate issue was automation.

Automation is a very different thing from tariffs, except for China's unemployment problem.

My MBA was concentrated in Accounting, but I can still notice China has a very big problem with unemployment for workers under 30.

Did Accounting Prof David McBurney tell you his joke the first day of class?

Here it is:

What is the definition of a computer?

It is an accountant with a personality!


AckAckAckAck!!! I have always loved that one.
The definition of a bankruptcy?

A company which ignored their accountant(s).
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
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william
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3:36p, 4/27/25
domo arigato..........

- el KKM

{ BHJ making mock BH-arm robot arm movements }

D!
pro ecclesia, pro javelina
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boognish_bear
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5:08p, 4/28/25
Maybe I'm getting too old… But not sure I could ever sit behind the steering wheel of a car with my hands in my lap no matter how advanced the technology gets.


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cowboycwr
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In reply to boognish_bear • 8:32p, 4/28/25
boognish_bear said:
Maybe I'm getting too old… But not sure I could ever sit behind the steering wheel of a car with my hands in my lap no matter how advanced the technology gets.




I think sitting in the drivers seat would be tough.

Sitting in the backseat of an automated taxi seems like it would be even worse.
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boognish_bear
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9:10p, 4/29/25
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Oldbear83
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In reply to boognish_bear • 9:11p, 4/29/25
Last time I got cut off by an Ewok, I will stick to paved roads, thank you.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
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ATL Bear
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1:45a, 4/30/25
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