Robots, artificial intelligence, computerised algorithms, mobile sensors, 3-D printing, and unmanned vehicles are here and transforming human life. People can decry these developments and worry about their “dehumanising impact,” but we need to determine how emerging technologies are affecting employment and public policy.
This paper explores the impact of robots, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. In particular, the impact of these emerging technologies on the workforce and the provision of health benefits, pensions, and social insurance. If society needs fewer workers due to automation and robotics, and many social benefits are delivered through jobs, how are people outside the workforce for a lengthy period of time going to get health care and pensions?