Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders proposes a 'robot tax' on large corporations to redistribute wealth and support workers impacted by AI automation, addressing concerns over potential massive job losses and the widening productivity-wage gap. The idea is akin to a universal basic income, aiming to ensure economic fairness as AI advances.
AI is poised to automate knowledge work, including computer programming, potentially leading to the elimination of middle-skilled jobs. The job- and wage-polarizing effects of automation can disrupt the usual ladder of hiring and development, making it challenging to hire junior workers without experience. While some experienced developers are skeptical about AI's ability to take over essential programming tasks, the impact of automation on jobs can be swift. The debate over taxing robots to finance jobs and manage displacement is gaining traction, with proponents like Bill Gates and Bernie Sanders supporting the idea. However, others argue that a robot tax could hinder productivity, innovation, and standards of living. The future of work and the role of AI in job displacement remain uncertain.