In Japan, robots are currently utilized for tasks such as stocking convenience store shelves. While this technology has not yet been implemented widely in the United States, companies like Walmart have explored automation options, including shelf-scanning robots, though they abandoned these initiatives in 2020. As advancements in machine vision and artificial intelligence continue, the potential for automation in retail grows, raising questions about the future of entry-level jobs traditionally held by teenagers.
Labor force participation for Americans aged 16 to 19 has significantly decreased, from 52.3% in August 2000 to 34.8% in August 2025. Many teenagers are opting out of the job market, a shift attributed largely to advancements in technology. This change may affect not only the economic landscape but also the development of essential life skills among young people.
Economists contend that automation may not necessarily lead to improved productivity; rather, it could exacerbate income inequality by displacing lower-skilled workers. Jobs in manufacturing and warehouses have diminished, forcing adults into roles historically filled by teenagers, such as those in retail and food delivery. For example, the average age of retail workers in the United States was 38.7 years in 2024, an increase from 29.3 in 2015.
Furthermore, the rise of delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash has marginalized younger workers in this sector, as age restrictions limit their participation. Additionally, organizations are now experimenting with autonomous food delivery robots. As these trends develop, concerns arise over the implications for both teenage employment opportunities and consumer experiences.
As the landscape of work continues to evolve due to technology, the impact on youth job training, skills acquisition, and overall workforce dynamics remain significant points for consideration.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/report/806728/tech-left-teens-fighting-over-scraps-robots-taking-jobs