In response to: Supermarket Sweep?

The people needing the retail jobs are some of the same people (but in the minority) of those demanding convenience in retail, which is what automated systems deliver. The cost however will only be realised when a smiling face at the checkout is noticed only through conspicuity or - in an age of 24 hour surveillance - the suspicion that results from a smile (as the video above implies).

If it comes to being herded like cattle by machines throughout supermarkets, will it be too late? There will be those protesting about the soul destroying lack of personality in the machines, though efforts will be made to humanise the machines through virtual people, all analysing in-store behaviour as well as tracking buying habits for for future advertising. However most people will predictably do nothing so long as their comfort and income or is lowered only slightly (relative to everyone else) for the good of the community.

When those protesting against the convenience that so many demanded, will the underfunded police take the side of the protesters or the highly profitable supermarkets? They will at least overrule private security firms.

The question that needs to be answered is this: what is the value of a real smile and in practice is it greater than the value of convenience?