Can Robots Deliver Utopia?

In my blog entry of January 21, 2013, I made a number of predictions on the effects of robotics on the future of society. I alluded to how technology will result in a massive loss of jobs and the need to provide an income to the unemployed. Today, this idea has come to be known as Universal Basic Income (UBI). I also mentioned the government's role in dealing with the problems of an idle society by providing various social programs that would appeal to the populace. The loss of jobs need not be a catastrophe as some would imagine if the government takes remedial action and producers of goods and services cooperate.

A key result of robots is a large increase in productivity. They can operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their only downtime would be for repairs and maintenance. They receive no compensation or benefits. The result would be a significant decline in the cost of goods and services; in other words, deflation. Obviously, companies would want a large share of the resulting profits since they produced the robots that caused the increase in productivity. However, the unemployed should be provided with a UBI, adjusted for deflation, that at least guarantees a comfortable existence; they should not be penalized if they find work to supplement this income. The UBI will be funded from taxes imposed on the producers of goods and services. The amount of taxes imposed would be determined by the number of jobs lost due to automation. Companies will realize that without a UBI, there will be only a minimal market for purchasing their products.

The government will have to develop social programs that allow the unemployed to enjoy a meaningful existence. Otherwise, there is the risk that an idle population could result in violence or withdrawal from society. These programs should encourage creativity and pride in accomplishment. Included would be hobbies, participation in competitive sports, and furthering one's education. The latter could provide the opportunity to become employed in a rewarding technical career.

Those who are trained in robotics will become the elite and most highly compensated members of society. They must be competent in the development, maintenance and control of robots. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) progresses, and many processes become automatic and even self-improving, the danger of complacency increases.  Control must always be the responsibility of humans.