The human necessity for automation

It is suggested that the phrase `standard of living¿ should be taken to mean `freedom of choice¿. With this interpretation, the material aspects of a technological society fall into place as a means to an end, namely, the liberation of the freedom to choose from the limitations of the physical environment. One way in which the pressure for a rising standard of living manifests itself is in pressure for the production of goods in greater quantity and variety. There are human limitations on the extent to which this may be done, limitations which automation helps to remove. Two examples are discussed: the development of direct digital control in cement manufacture, and the numerical control of machine tools. Another pressure is for cheaper services. As an example of the effect of this in a service industry, the mechanisation of the letter-post service is discussed. Yet another pressure is for higher wages. Economic statistics are quoted to show that the only way to avoid inflation is to raise productivity, by increasing the capital investment per worker. Here again, there are human limitations, which automation helps to remove.