On my mind

A FRIEND of mine bought a home robot to do all his housework. He was assured that because it was wireless there were no strings attached and when it reached the end of its life it would rust in peace.

Having been displaced by a robot he now has nothing to do but enjoys winding up his robotic friend by pressing a few buttons.

As a result of the technological revolution, in 2020 about 1.64 million industrial robots were in operation worldwide, and by the year 2030 it is estimated that 800 million workers will have lost their jobs due to automation.

It goes without saying that the likelihood of the benefits of such increased productivity being shared among the workers so all can benefit is as likely as a flying rasher of bacon.

The trend in industrial automation and artificial intelligence (AI) needs control and common sense, and a recognition that AI is a misnomer. A machine can only learn from the data it is given, will not replace humanity and has no conscience.

Nevertheless, the consequences of industrial ‘progress’ and the dubious benefits of AI are being considered by the Welsh Government in a possible pilot study of ‘universal basic income’, a welcome scheme to address the precariousness of work and tackle inequality and poverty.

It guarantees an income payment to everyone regardless of their situation, ensuring that everyone has sufficient to pay for all the basics in life.

Those who support it argue that it would provide more life choices, support everyone through a life crisis, give people more opportunity to take business risks and eradicate poverty. Those who are against it think it’s a blunt wellbeing gimmick. Others think it is a socialist joke. But at least everyone would get it.