The move to driverless trains on the Underground is something many workers are keen to dissuade, for obvious reasons.

Indeed, there are suggestions that the current emphasis on the idea is specifically in reaction to over-powerful unions, with much concern in management and political circles about the frequent industrial disputes.

The technology obviously exists to achieve this (the DLR), and services on some lines are already part-automated – it could save money and may even improve services.

However, the loss of jobs, and perhaps of security in passengers’ minds, would be a negative consequence of this change.

Although humans are often prone to error, and are subject to factors like fatigue and emotional disruption which could affect their work, we are naturally programmed to trust a person more than a machine.

We understand people, and can reason with them, in a way that is impossible with technology. So although the future certainly seems to be full of new advances in automation, and in many cases they are already responsible for our safety, there is still a barrier to overcome on the public’s suspicions and discomfort concerning this change.