AI Makes Labor Cheap And Human Touch More Valuable

InnovationVenture CapitalAI Makes Labor Cheap And Human Touch More ValuableByJosipa Majic Predin,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I’m a founder, writer and lecturer focusing on VC funds.Follow AuthorApr 23, 2026, 10:45am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.TOPSHOT - CORRECTION / A man works on the electronics of Jules, a humanoid robot from Hanson Robotics that uses artificial intelligence, at a stand during the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva on July 8, 2025. (Photo by Valentin FLAURAUD / AFP) / "The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by FABRICE COFFRINI has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Valentin Flauraud] instead of [Fabrice Coffrini]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require." (Photo by VALENTIN FLAURAUD/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesStarbucks spent years removing workers from its stores, convinced that automation and mobile ordering efficiency would protect its margins. The bet failed and in late 2024, incoming CEO Brian Niccol reversed course, calling for more baristas, handwritten cup notes, and ceramic mugs because, as Niccol put it, "This is still a craft business." That reversal, at one of the world’s most standardized consumer companies may be a p...