The difference is that in the past automation did not have power itself. If displaced workers revolted, those factory machines would do nothing to save wealthy

The difference is that in the past automation did not have power itself. If displaced workers revolted, those factory machines would do nothing to save wealthy capitalists from the public's vengeance. Once they have mass produced Terminator-like invincible robot cops they'll be able to do whatever they wish with us. They could give us universal income, they could also round us up and push us into the sea.