Re:Amazon rolls out machines that pack orders and replace jobs
by Eridrus on Monday May 13, 2019 @09:54AM
(#19899216)
The gains will also go to those making the robots and those buying from Amazon.
Re:Amazon rolls out machines that pack orders and replace jobs
by ed_balls on Monday May 13, 2019 @10:20AM
(#19899475)
> those buying from Amazon
Only if there is enough competition.
Re:Amazon rolls out machines that pack orders and replace jobs
by fastball on Monday May 13, 2019 @10:52AM
(#19899809)
Which, given the fact that Walmart is experimenting with the exact same robots, it seems like there is.
Re:Amazon rolls out machines that pack orders and replace jobs
by ed_balls on Monday May 13, 2019 @11:17AM
(#19900116)
That's oligopoly. True competition needs to have many different options e.g. food. I can go out to a restaurant, order something or opt-out from the market and buy in a shop and cook it myself. But straight from the farmer or I could even grow it myself.
Re:Amazon rolls out machines that pack orders and replace jobs
by fastball on Tuesday May 14, 2019 @01:10AM
(#19906931)
Ok, still seems like we're good then?
Re:Amazon rolls out machines that pack orders and replace jobs
by asdfman123 on Monday May 13, 2019 @10:07AM
(#19899363)
> The problem, as always, is capitalism
So other economic systems aren't interested in efficiency gains and exponential growth?
Re:Amazon rolls out machines that pack orders and replace jobs
by psychometry on Monday May 13, 2019 @10:52AM
(#19899820)
Other systems share those gains among the working class. Seriously, this is basic macroeconomics.
The problem, as always, is capitalism. Amazon wouldn't be where it is today without its massive workforce, including its army of factory workers. None of the people losing their jobs will benefit from this increase in productivity, though. Those gains will go only to the people at the top. Meanwhile, there will be more competition for the low-level jobs that still exist, creating downward pressure on wages.