Robots have been increasingly integrated into various aspects of the economy, with predictions that they could potentially eliminate up to 375 million jobs by 2030. The current AI advancements are only expected to further accelerate this trend, allowing smart machines to play a more significant role in the value creation chain. This transformation is evident in various forms, from large-scale fully autonomous systems like Xiaomi’s smartphone factory to smaller applications such as delivery robots.
At the heart of this technological shift are individuals who previously held roles in assembling products, sorting packages, and providing services like food delivery. The introduction of robots in these tasks has sparked debates on whether automation is a boon or a bane for the workforce. While some argue that robots relieve individuals from mundane tasks, others believe that automation leads to job displacement.
It is essential to recognize that automation not only eliminates jobs but also creates new opportunities. However, these new roles often require advanced skills and education that may not be readily accessible to individuals affected by automation. As a result, there is growing apprehension among workers in various industries, such as taxi drivers and delivery personnel, who fear being replaced by automated technologies.
The emergence of Web3 technology presents a potential solution to empower individuals in the face of automation. By shifting the narrative from victims of automation to stakeholders in the process, Web3 offers a transformative approach to integrating people into the evolving machine-powered economy. One notable example is the tokenization of assets, such as vehicles in car-sharing programs, which incentivizes individuals to take ownership and actively contribute to the maintenance of these assets.
Real-world assets (RWAs) play a crucial role in the Web3 ecosystem, enabling the representation of ownership rights and revenue-sharing opportunities through on-chain tokens. This mechanism allows individuals to become stakeholders in automated processes, ensuring a more equitable distribution of benefits in the machine economy. Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePINs) further enhance this concept by providing a platform for automated devices to generate value and reward users for their contributions.
As society continues to embrace technological advancements, it is imperative to consider the social implications of automation and ensure that the benefits are shared equitably among all stakeholders. By leveraging machine RWAs and DePINs, we can create a future where individuals have a vested interest in the evolving economy, moving towards a community-owned infrastructure model that benefits everyone involved.
While innovation is inevitable, it is essential to prioritize inclusivity and fairness in the adoption of automated technologies. By embracing decentralized solutions and empowering individuals as stakeholders in the machine economy, we can shape a future where automation benefits the collective society rather than a select few.