The devaluing of human manual labor has been happening and will continue as long as we have a free market. Eventually if its cheaper for a robot to do it, a robot should do it. There is collateral damage to the US and developed countries. Its contributing to the two
diverging economies and the rise in
disability claims (essentially UBI) and worrisome
income inequality. Automation is not just coming for truck drivers and cashiers, but
surgeons and
lawyers are in the crosshairs too.
So we can 1. continue to do nothing and let it all shake out or 2. address it proactively.
Sure I'd bet truck drivers and cashiers can learn other professions, but where will the demand come from? What do you do when you get laid off on Friday and you have little or
no savings. Take out some
student loans and get that
degree? What happens to your
community when a factory closes?
Maybe people will adjust, quickly and seamlessly and it'll all work out. And hey that's their problem, why should I suffer someone who didn't go to college, or chose the wrong profession, or is just unlucky?
I think we need to adjust the path so that people can have or get to a meaningful existence. UBI is a start, not perfect, but it addresses the income inequality and automation. I doubt it will get implemented before its too late, but one can hope.