Ask HN: Automation; Increased consumption or more human redundancy?

Sure, the Luddites broke looms not realizing that the industrial revolution would create more work for them through increasing consumption, but surely there is a tipping point where computers allow us to automate so much that what the luddites feared actually comes true?

I am currently working for a company who's focus is automation of washing heavy vehicles. This has benefits in regards to health and safety, environment and of course the efficiency of companies that own and maintain heavy vehicles. However, am I just automating people out of their jobs or will our capacity to consume increase as we automate more?