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OPPORTUNITY COSTS As automation drives more of the economy, how will humans adapt? The Industries of the Future By Alec Ross, Simon & Schuster. 2016, 320 pages.
The Jetsons was a 1960s cartoon favorite about a futuristic family who was waited on by the sassy humanoid robot, Rosie. At the time it seemed farfetched that a robot would ever come to replace household help and servers. Now robotic vacuums already sweep through many U.S. homes, while restaurants across Asia are experimenting with automation. Bangkok's Hajime restaurant features droids dressed as samurai that take orders, serve food, and even throw in a dance performance. Despite a huge initial cost, robots offer distinct advantages over human waiters: They don't confuse orders or bills, they deliver food rapidly, and they eliminate the issue of salaries-not to mention tipping.
Robotic automation is only gaining strength: Supermarkets, drugstores, and even libraries are moving to automated checkout, while robotic instructors, caregivers, teachers, and doctors are not far behind. Author Alec Ross wants us to prepare for both the benefits of...