Why Democratising Industrial Automation Represents the First Step Towards Eco-Socialism

Industrial automation stands at a crossroads of technological advancement and socio-economic transformation. Its potential to liberate human labour and improve production efficiency has been discussed since the Industrial Revolution. Yet, despite decades of progress, the promises automation held for a brighter, more equitable future have largely been squandered by an industry mired in competitiveness, proprietary limitations, and an exclusive focus on profit maximisation.

If we are to unlock the transformative potential of automation, we must rethink its purpose and ownership. Democratising industrial automation could not only revitalise the sector but also lay the foundation for a sustainable and egalitarian socio-economic model: eco-socialism.

A Historical Perspective: The Automation Dream Deferred

From the Luddite uprisings in the 19th century to contemporary fears of job displacement by artificial intelligence, automation has long been associated with both hope and trepidation. Early advocates foresaw the liberatory potential of machinery, imagining a society where technology could free humanity from drudgery and provide the conditions for creative and communal work. Similarly, the cybernetic theories of the mid-20th century suggested that automation could help society manage resources democratically and sustainably.

However, in practice, automation has mostly served as a tool for increasing private profit. Rather than distributing its benefits broadly, the technology has been locked behind intellectual property regimes, high capital costs, and an economic framework designed to perpetuate inequality. The automation revolution promised by the 20th century has stagnated, hampered by a system that prioritises competition over collaboration and short-term gains over long-term sustainability.

The Current State: An Industry Stalled by Its Own Priorities

Industrial automation today is dominated by a small number of gatekeepers who maintain tight control over proprietary systems and software. This monopolistic hold stifles innovation and restricts access to critical technologies, creating significant barriers for smaller firms and co-operative ventures. The relentless focus on competitive advantage has led to fragmented development, with companies creating incompatible proprietary systems rather than fostering collaboration. This siloed approach slows the industry's growth, preventing it from addressing global challenges or expanding into underserved markets. By prioritising intellectual property over shared progress, the industry undermines its own potential, leaving the promise of widespread, transformative automation unfulfilled.

Moreover, the sector's narrow focus on profit maximisation has failed to expand automation into areas that could address pressing global challenges. For instance, industries that could advance sustainable agriculture, renewable energy production, or efficient waste management often lack the capital or technical expertise to integrate automation solutions effectively. Instead of creating a future where automation benefits all, the industry reinforces existing inequalities and environmental degradation.

A Path Forward: Democratising Automation

To chart a path forward, we must radically rethink the ownership and accessibility of automation technologies. By democratising industrial automation, we can transform it into a tool for collective liberation rather than individual gain. Here’s how:

1. Open-Source Platforms for Innovation
Transitioning to open-source hardware and software platforms would enable a broader range of individuals and organisations to experiment, adapt, and innovate with automation technologies. This approach could break down the monopolistic barriers of proprietary systems and encourage collaboration across industries and communities.

2. Collective Ownership and Co-Operatives
Industrial automation could be managed by worker-owned co-operatives or decentralised communities, aligning its goals with social and ecological needs rather than profit. By seizing the means of production, peacefully and democratically, automation can become a tool for building solidarity and shared prosperity.

3. Universal Access to Machinery
Ensuring that all communities, regardless of their economic status, have access to the tools of automation would encourage localised innovation and production. This decentralisation could reduce supply chain inefficiencies, lower the carbon footprint of manufacturing, and empower communities to solve their own unique challenges.

4. Automation for Regeneration, Not Exploitation
By integrating automation into regenerative industries, such as reforestation, renewable energy, and circular economies, we can leverage its efficiency to combat climate change and restore ecosystems. Aligning automation with eco-socialist principles ensures that its application supports life rather than degrading it.

Why Eco-Socialism?

Eco-socialism envisions a world where production is organised around meeting human and ecological needs rather than generating profit. Democratising automation aligns perfectly with this vision by redistributing economic power, promoting collective decision-making, and reducing humanity’s ecological footprint.

Universal access to automation could reduce the working day, allowing people to focus on education, art, and community rather than survival. It could also facilitate the transition to a steady-state economy, where resources are managed sustainably and equitably. In this model, automation is no longer a threat to workers but a means of supporting them in building a better future.

Conclusion: The Machinery of Liberation

The potential of industrial automation remains untapped, trapped within an economic system that prioritises individual gain over collective good. By democratising automation, we can unlock its true potential and lay the foundation for an eco-socialist future. Universal access to machinery can catalyse innovation, empower communities, and address global challenges in ways that proprietary systems never could.

The road to eco-socialism begins with reclaiming the tools of production, not as commodities, but as commons. Automation, when liberated from the constraints of capitalism, can become a cornerstone of a new world: one that is sustainable, equitable, and deeply human.