Two things.
One
People resist the change. They cry “foul” and complain about being displaced. They complain about all things automated, while still relying on numerous automated systems in their day-to-day lives (automatic coffee makers, clothes made by automated machines, cars whose systems are largely controlled by computers, mobile phones).
Unable to do anything else—there’s nothing illegal about replacing people with automated systems—they either retire early or find something else. Their new gigs may be better or worse, but the time of transition is usually painful.
Two
They adapt. They learn new skills or brush off old skills they hadn’t used in a few years. They get a new job that the automated position had created.
For example, no businesses needed website designers before there were websites. Now millions of people are employed as website designers because automation has led to the need.
Few people see the Internet as a wholly bad thing. And its emergence, while displacing some workers, has led to new, different areas of employment.
So…
Automation—”when robots replace workers”—usually causes some displacement, but usually leads to better systems, less expensive products and better lifestyle for everyone.
Transitions are painful, but the best we can do is adapt to the changes.
