I think the next big revolution that will shake things up is general robots. Think back a decade or two – the idea of scanning your own groceries and bagging them yourself might have seemed strange. Yet, self-checkout has become commonplace across many stores. Its adoption wasn't instantaneous but occurred over a 5 to 10-year period. We can expect a similar pattern with robotics. Initially, robots may work alongside human employees, handling specific tasks while workers adapt and the technology is refined. Likely there will be only 1 or 2 robots in a store that helps out customers or deal with things.
This like other technologies like the self check out, websites, and so on where they basically can test out the technology before they fully invest into it. But I imagine after the test are found to be worth while, things will turn. History offers a cautionary tale. During the pandemic, numerous businesses complained about a supposed labor shortage, painting it as a lack of worker motivation. Some of those same companies had a history of creating difficult working conditions that led to high turnover, flat out not hiring people even when complaining no one wants to work, or lying about open jobs or making it so hard to go through the interview process that it isn't worth it. As robots become more prevalent, there's a risk of companies adopting a similar strategy – deliberately making work less appealing to justify a reduction in human staff even before full automation is feasible. This making it where it looks like on the outside people don't want to work, or people can't do the given jobs anymore. And this making a thin shield from any regulation or public outcry. And this also allowing the transfer of work from human to robot to be slow enough where the companies can back out if needed.
As robotics technology advances and costs decrease, we're bound to see a surge in at-home robots. This has far-reaching implications, particularly for the insurance industry. Homeowners who delegate tasks like window cleaning or roof repairs to robots could potentially see lower premiums due to reduced risk. Additionally, we can expect the emergence of specialized insurance plans for the robots themselves, mirroring the warranties we have for appliances today. For example, your insurance company might lower the cost of your life or health insurance if you have a robot. But also push for you to have a robot insurance. To the insurance company you falling off a ladder will cost them far more than a robot, but even still.
Anyways, between this and other things I imagine since everywhere will have some general robots. Like most technology, the prices will become more worth while. This making it where it will be in many homes. And I imagine like most things, once people get over the trust issue. It will be far more common than not to see them. Maybe even expected or even required.
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