The Transformative Impact of Robots and Automation

Citation
The Transformative Impact of Robots and Automation, Hearing Before the Joint Economic Committee, Congress of the United States, 114th Cong., 2d Sess. (May 25, 2016) (full-text).

Overview
[In this hearing] the Committee will examine how robots, automation, and technology are transforming [the] economy. [...] Recent technological developments have been pushing the envelope faster and further than was expected even a decade ago [...]. The robotic machines are here. Whether it is vacuuming carpets or assisting in precise surgeries, robots are helping with and performing almost every task [imaginable]. This has led to a greater abundance of consumer products, and more productive and creative workers. [...] This new robotic revolution clearly is contributing to pressures arising within [a] changing labor force. Even before these technological advances, America's [...] businesses were beginning to rely much more on automated labor than physical labor. Robots are expected to hasten this trend as they fill in for humans in both blue- and white-collar jobs. [...]

Automation's rapid progress has also raised challenges with certain government policies. How can we foster an environment where innovators thrive and grow? How can we foster a social safety net prepared for 21st century labor markets? Do some government policies make human workers prohibitively expensive for employers? How will current workers adapt? And is our education system preparing our youngest citizens for the future economy?