Workers vs Robots
Unions fought bringing robots into manufacturing many times. This is sort of a replay of the mythical story of John Henry who won a race drilling through a mountain with his opponent a steam powered drill. The robots are expensive but took over the dangerous parts of manufacturing while delivering better products. The path for unskilled labor now leads to retail and fast food.
The results of modern manufacturing is that fewer workers are needed and those workers must have skill and experience. What is not mentioned is that individuals can use modern manufacturing equipment to create new products. A good example is the Tech Shop; it has computer controlled manufacturing equipment available for people to design and make their own products. This is a good deal for the common man.
