Will Fast Food Workers Be Replaced By Computers?

I've heard some people point out that if those protesting fast food workers demand $15 bucks an hour and get it then more resturants will start using more technology to replace them.

Is this an example of that happening?

McDonald's orders 7,000 touchscreen kiosks to replace cashiers - Neowin

Will touch screens replace waiters? - 1 - dining out - MSN Money

 

Pretty sad that these companies are not willing to sacrifice a small percentage of their bottom line to ensure that the people who make their money for them have a living wage.

If they replace all of the jobs with computers, how will anyone earn money to buy burgers anyway?

 

Of course they will.
They're running a business, not a charity.

This will happen to everyone in time.

 

Not everyone, but you're on the right track. Luckily, the robotics business has been progressing quite slowly, but it's only a matter of time. I believe that if the minimum wage is $15/hr, that still isn't high enough to make it worthwhile now to replace people with robots. The Walmarts of the world will do all they can to scare and intimidate workers into accepting less than a living wage.

 

What kind of labor can't be replaced by machines/technology?

 

Creative, innovative work, work that involves human understanding.

 

From Wikipedia

 

Psychiatrists hehe

 

fast fold restaurants pay terrible wages ans treat their employees horribly. they don't provide an income to survive on or healthcare. i worked in fast food for 3 years ago and got away with everything i could, ate very wellalmost enough to make up for the poor pay and lack of healthcare!

 

Don't be so sure.
And we all know that the arts are worthless in modern society.

 

Sadly, eating all of that fast food probably only brought you closer to a serious health issue.

 

No, art includes things like Miley Cyrus. (Did I really say that?)

 

i can see it happening, look at self service tills in the supermarkets,atm machines etc

 

They have agreements with distributors that are nearly impossible to meet. Ie: production timelines that result in severe penalties based on subjective performance standards; overstock fees etc. These practices yield lower cost vs revenue vs profit. Meaning they muscle small business for free/cheap goods. That's why they have every day low prices Feels good doesn't it?


I suspect it would take a very long time for all business to be removed by robotics. I could also see some future legislature imposing on Robo-Cops career as chief of police.

 

and nobody cares as long as they can get low prices on cheap chinese products, thats all that matters.

and I'm sorry but if you over 21 and tying to make living in fast food and you're not in some kind of management position you should seriously start looking for a career change. Fast Food is a stepping stone for people starting out, not a lifetime career path.

 

I care, and I support small business. That's why I go to small markets in my neighborhood, family owned.

I'm sorry but if 45 you need to make a living, take a second job because you have mouths to feed, and you're serving a useful purpose by performing menial labor at a fast food joint -I'm not gonna judge. Sure beats draining the system with welfare and unemployment.

 

Good word choice...



Oops, Did I really say that?

 

Of course you do, but that's not going to change anything because there's 100's of millions that don't care and continue to shop at WalMart. In fact the people that shop and work at WalMart are reflective of the kind of people that work in fast food for minimum wage. So in a way WalMart and fast food are employing their own customers.

And yes if you're struggling and desparate for work you're gonna take whatever you can get. Just don't expect to work in fast food and make to support your family.

 

Hm, well I recognize my significance. You don't know, I could change the world. You could change the world. But you won't if you keep that attitude.

 

You should explain that to the fast food places that put up signs and ads reading "Career opportunities!!"

As for me....I vote with my dollar. I don't eat at fast food places and I don't shop at places that I don't have respect for, as a general rule. So robots won't really change my habits. I feel bad for people who have no choice but to work in those jobs and buy only the most affordable items but those who do have a choice should be conscious of where they spend their money.