The problem is the curve. Technology is a force multiplier, it has moved us from bare subsistence to comfort. But the next wave (which includes not just automation but 3D printers) is going to move us to a point of not actually needing all these people to provide for all these people. Then comes question time, how do we as a society want to handle the fact that we can now provide comfortable living conditions for all with only half (or even less) actually working in a way that contributes to that provided comfort? It’s not something to fear, it’s something to understand and prepare for. In the long run it’s not a bad thing, it means most of society will get to work on art or science or other “luxury” items instead of the grind of factory, agriculture, or delivery. It’s an improvement to the standard of living, but it’s a fundamental change in our relationship to the consumption cycle.
bttt
3D printing for the masses is in its infancy, about where personal computers were in the late 1970s. It's going to be a really big deal in the next few years as it displaces workers. I have one. I just made replacement parts for my planter boxes that had rotted, parts for a friends custom towel holder and tool components. Formerly, I could not easily make them by hand in my workshop. These robots are going to be everywhere in a few years cranking out products that people used to make by hand. You're right, the next wave is upon us.
That’s a good summary of the problem. Plus the demand for art, science and luxury items probably won’t keep pace with the labor dislocations in the short run. So you need increased safety nets.