Japanese manufacturers at least have had similar if not higher costs on manufacturing in Japan( and Europe). And these factories still employ a large number of

Japanese manufacturers at least have had similar if not higher costs on manufacturing in Japan( and Europe). And these factories still employ a large number of skilled and non-skilled workers. I don't think a bump in salaries that puts a country in the same ballpark as existing manufacturing locations( not counting the extra costs of manufacturing in the States or in Europe) is going to be such a big push for more automation. After a certain point the versatility of human workers is still useful.