A solution I’ve advocated for, for over a decade now, is for robotics & automation companies to build consumer robots and automations that consumers can buy individually or in co-ops and pass legislation requiring companies to hire consumer owned automated labor before purchasing or leasing them.
Eventually, if that happens, it monetizes automation for the masses, relieves the labor force of many dangerous jobs, mitigates losses due to illness, injury, pregnancy, parenthood, age, disability and life in general.
It would mean having more personal time with our loved ones, time to educate ourselves and live a higher quality of life. It also means we won’t be so strapped for time and energy to take part in our democracy.
I imagine owning a few robots myself that go to work for me in industries that my 50+ year old body can’t possibly compete in. I’d own a percentage in multiple robotic co-ops around the county and even the world allowing me to have a will-able income.
I imagine a life of education learning all I can and the freedom to experience all that the world has to offer. With robotics and automation in the hands of and control of the consumers, not only can we have that freedom, but industry and business of all types will benefit from lower employee related expenses, greater productivity-potentially 24/7/365, small businesses will more readily be able to compete with larger businesses and scale faster than ever. Individuals will be able to purchase raw materials to bring new products to market quicker, with on demand manufacturing.
Imagine buying your infant child their first robot or automated system, or buying into a co-op for them. If something happens to you, your children already have an income of their own and can also inherit yours.
Imagine your income is limited only based on the robotic jobs available.
Imagine your parents and grandparents still earning a full time living but not having to actually do that labor, instead they can be doing something they really want to be doing in their retirement, and so can we all.