Inflation mystery. An Aha! moment for me.

[Drasca]

Go to a major shipping port. Look at how cargo is handled, one crane operator doing the job of dozens of stevedores.

--Pete

One very well paid crane operator. The barriers-to-entry for that job is very high (skills, certifications, clean records), given the value of the cargo and potential cost of failure, it bars the majority of people desiring the job from taking the job--though not necessarily mental acuity but personal responsibility (primarily clean record). I think it is not only the robots, and their owners, but those operating and maintaining the robotics involved.

There still seems to be a large gap between menial jobs and educated / skilled / qualified workforce but what is considered skilled or qualified is a bit more varied than just sheer mental agility. Also, some of those with ability do not have the desire to do certain jobs. That very same crane operater may not desire to do the graveyard shift, and the current (shrinking) tendency for fewer women in technical/engineering than men. I have seen many women just as potentially capable, but with absolutely no desire toward technical jobs, but I have also seen growth toward parity (of which I am happy to see).

Medical services does indeed seem to be a booming industry overall. We live longer in part because it is so varied and specialized. Dying at 30 might've been the norm at some point, but now it is a tragedy to die so young.