Overreliance on Automated Systems is a news and information topic monitored and covered by: Prepper Watch – AI, Cyber and Digital Technologies
Introduction
The rapid rise of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics has revolutionized the modern world. Industries have embraced automation to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline operations. While these advancements offer significant benefits, they also introduce considerable vulnerabilities, particularly for those who prioritize preparedness and self-sufficiency. Overreliance on automated systems creates critical points of failure that could have devastating consequences in the event of system malfunctions, cyberattacks, job market disruptions, or technological collapses.
For preppers, understanding the risks of automation dependency is essential. A failure in these systems could lead to widespread supply chain breakdowns, compromised infrastructure, and even personal security risks. This blog explores the various risks posed by overreliance on automated systems and outlines detailed strategies that preppers can use to mitigate these threats and maintain resilience.
The Rise of Automation and Its Impact
Automation and AI are becoming deeply integrated into daily life and critical infrastructure. From self-driving cars and robotic manufacturing to AI-powered customer service and automated medical diagnostics, reliance on these systems is increasing exponentially.
Key Areas of Automation Growth:
- Manufacturing and Industry – Robotics and automated production lines dominate factories, replacing human labor with machines.
- Transportation – Autonomous vehicles, drones, and automated shipping systems are reshaping the logistics sector.
- Healthcare – AI-driven diagnostics, robotic surgery, and automated medication dispensing systems are becoming standard.
- Financial Services – Algorithm-based trading, automated customer service, and AI-driven loan approvals.
- Military and Security – Autonomous drones, robotic weapons, and AI-based surveillance systems.
- Retail and E-commerce – Self-checkouts, automated order fulfillment, and AI-driven inventory management.
While these systems offer increased efficiency and cost savings, they come with significant risks, especially when overreliance leads to system failures or vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
Risks of Overreliance on Automated Systems
Preppers need to assess the potential fallout from automation failures and identify the key areas where disruption could have a cascading effect on society and individual security.
- System Failures and Malfunctions
- Automated systems are only as reliable as the technology supporting them.
- A single glitch or software error in a critical system could shut down essential services like power grids, communications networks, and transportation.
- Example: The 2003 North American blackout was partly triggered by a software glitch in an automated system monitoring the power grid.
- Cyber Vulnerabilities
- Automation and AI rely heavily on connected networks and cloud-based systems, making them prime targets for cyberattacks.
- Hackers could disable automated infrastructure, disrupt supply chains, or compromise personal security.
- Example: In 2021, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack shut down a key fuel supply for the Eastern United States.
- Job Market Disruption
- AI and automation are replacing human workers at an accelerating rate, leading to job displacement and economic instability.
- A collapse of automated systems could leave displaced workers without the skills or infrastructure to recover.
- Example: McKinsey estimates that up to 800 million jobs worldwide could be automated by 2030.
- Supply Chain Dependence
- Automated supply chains are highly efficient but vulnerable to disruption.
- A cyberattack or failure in an automated warehouse or port could create shortages of essential goods, including food and medical supplies.
- Example: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how quickly supply chains can collapse when just-in-time inventory systems face disruption.
- AI Decision-Making Failures
- AI systems are programmed based on algorithms and data, which can be flawed or manipulated.
- An AI-driven security or defense system malfunction could lead to unintended consequences, including accidental military action or public infrastructure collapse.
- Example: Autonomous vehicles involved in fatal accidents due to flawed AI decision-making highlight the risks of overreliance on complex algorithms.
Strategies for Preppers to Mitigate Automation Risks
Preppers must anticipate these risks and develop strategies to insulate themselves from the consequences of automation failures. Here are key strategies to reduce vulnerability and increase resilience:
- Develop Manual Skills to Replace Automation
- Learn manual methods for essential tasks currently performed by automated systems:
- Growing and preserving food without automated equipment.
- Repairing machinery and vehicles manually.
- Navigating using maps and compasses rather than GPS.
- Maintaining communication using radios rather than mobile networks.
Why It Matters: If automated systems fail, the ability to revert to manual methods will be essential for survival and self-sufficiency.
- Create Redundant, Independent Systems
- Establish backup systems that can function independently of automation:
- Install off-grid power sources such as solar panels and wind turbines.
- Build water collection and filtration systems that do not rely on automated pumps.
- Store hard copies of important documents and maps in case digital systems are compromised.
Why It Matters: Redundancy ensures that essential functions continue even if the primary automated system fails.
- Harden Cybersecurity Protections
- Use firewalls, VPNs, and encrypted communication channels.
- Regularly update software and firmware to close security vulnerabilities.
- Maintain backups of important data on offline storage devices.
Why It Matters: Cyberattacks targeting automated systems can disrupt infrastructure and compromise personal information.
- Build Community-Based Solutions
- Establish local barter and trade networks.
- Develop skills-sharing programs where members can trade manual skills for goods and services.
- Organize neighborhood defense and support groups to maintain order if automated security systems fail.
Why It Matters: Local, human-based systems are more resilient than large-scale automated networks.
- Maintain Alternative Transportation and Logistics
- Keep bicycles, horses, and alternative fuel vehicles available.
- Store fuel reserves and establish manual fueling systems.
- Build physical supply caches for essential goods in case of logistical collapse.
Why It Matters: Dependence on automated transportation networks creates vulnerability if those networks are attacked or fail.
- Diversify Economic Dependencies
- Stockpile physical assets such as precious metals, barter items, and tradeable goods.
- Develop side trades and skills that remain valuable even if automation eliminates traditional employment.
- Engage in local agricultural and manufacturing projects to reduce dependence on global supply chains.
Why It Matters: Financial independence from automated systems will reduce economic vulnerability in case of a collapse.
- Maintain Communications Independence
- Invest in shortwave and ham radios to bypass automated communication networks.
- Create physical communication plans with neighbors and community members.
- Develop low-tech signaling methods for emergency situations.
Why It Matters: Communication networks are highly automated, and failure could cut off access to vital information and emergency coordination.
Long-Term Preparation for a Post-Automation World
If a large-scale automation collapse were to occur, recovery would take years. Preppers should prepare for long-term survival by:
- Learning traditional trades like blacksmithing, carpentry, and farming.
- Establishing self-sufficient homesteads that can operate independently of automated infrastructure.
- Developing local economic systems that rely on barter and mutual support rather than automated global networks.
- Educating the next generation in manual skills and self-sufficiency.
Case Study: Automation Failures and How Preppers Responded
During the 2021 Texas power grid failure, automated systems designed to regulate electricity flow failed due to extreme weather conditions. Preppers who had independent solar power, wood-burning stoves, and water filtration systems were able to maintain basic comfort and survival, while those relying solely on automated infrastructure faced dangerous conditions.
Conclusion
Automation and AI have created a more efficient but also more fragile world. Preppers must remain vigilant and proactive in preparing for the risks associated with overreliance on automated systems. By developing manual skills, building redundant systems, improving cybersecurity, and establishing local support networks, preppers can navigate the vulnerabilities of an automated world and remain resilient in the face of technological failure.
Preparedness in the age of automation isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving when the systems that society depends on inevitably falter.