Catherwood LibraryILR School

There are many Americans who believe that increasing automation in the workplace will benefit workers, improve productivity, and invigorate the economy. However, new research indicates that robots may actually negatively affect workers and reduce workforce participation. The Chinese labor market currently has the most exposure to robotics, and automation there has caused declines in wages and employment due to the reduced need for human labor. Furthermore, the research suggests that emerging market economies primarily comprised of manufacturing and agricultural sectors will be most heavily affected by automation, and that automation may lead to higher levels of inequality and social unrest.