# Automation `kaal:entity:automation` **Status.** derived This node is assembled mechanically from the 43 claims that carry the concept tag `automation`. It is a roster of what the corpus says under this term. It is **not** an adjudicated definition: no single statement here has been ruled canonical, and no first-appearance call has been made. Read the claims and judge for yourself. ## Every claim under this term 43 claims across 22 works, 2017 to 2025. **2017** - [2939127-009](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/2939127-009) [predictive/argued] *(failure mode)* -- Legal Tech applications will soon perform most of the work junior lawyers do, and will do so without the human elements that produce imprecision, flaws, inaccuracies, potential lawsuits, and delay; junior legal professionals and support staff are therefore the first casualties. > Legal Tech applications will be able to perform most of junior lawyers' work in the near future without the human elements that create imprecision, flaws, inaccuracies, possible lawsuits, and delay. Mark Fenwick, Wulf A. Kaal, Erik P. M. Vermeulen, Legal Education in the Blockchain Revolution (2017). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2939127 - [2959730-022](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/2959730-022) [mechanism/argued] -- Smart contracting on the blockchain often makes legal contracting unnecessary because smart contracts emulate the logic of legal contract clauses. > Through blockchain technology, smart contracting often makes legal contracting unnecessary as smart contracts often emulate the logic of legal contract clauses. Wulf A. Kaal, Blockchain Applications and Fee Structure Developments in Private Investment Funds (2017). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2959730 - [2959730-029](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/2959730-029) [mechanism/argued] -- Blockchain technology enables managers to charge per transaction fees, which undermines the existing 2/20 fee model, because it facilitates seamless and efficient calculation of management fees per transaction. > Blockchain technology enables managers to charge per- transaction fees which undermines the existing 2/20 fee model. Blockchain technology facilitates a seamless and efficient calculation of management fees per transaction. Wulf A. Kaal, Blockchain Applications and Fee Structure Developments in Private Investment Funds (2017). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2959730 - [2959730-030](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/2959730-030) [failure/argued] *(failure mode)* -- Traditional per transaction fee models failed because settlement and calculation created a prohibitive amount of work that made such operations very difficult to execute; blockchain technology overcomes all of these restrictions. > In contrast to the traditional settlement and calculation of fees in a per-transaction model that created a prohibitive amount of work making such operations very difficult to execute, blockchain technology overcomes all of these restrictions. Wulf A. Kaal, Blockchain Applications and Fee Structure Developments in Private Investment Funds (2017). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2959730 - [2959730-031](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/2959730-031) [failure/argued] *(failure mode)* -- Manual per transaction fee calculation and settlement is prone to human error, and these errors are removed through the use of blockchain technology. > While normally the use of this type of fee is prone to human errors that occur during manual calculation or settlement, these errors are removed through the use of blockchain technology Wulf A. Kaal, Blockchain Applications and Fee Structure Developments in Private Investment Funds (2017). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2959730 - [2998033-002](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/2998033-002) [mechanism/asserted] -- Smart contracting on blockchain platforms often makes legal contracting unnecessary, because smart contracts emulate the logic of legal contract clauses. > Through blockchain technology, smart contracting often makes legal contracting unnecessary as smart contracts often emulate the logic of legal contract clauses. Wulf A. Kaal, Blockchain Innovation for Private Investment Funds (2017). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2998033 - [2998033-031](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/2998033-031) [mechanism/evidenced] -- LendingRobot can charge only a one percent management fee and a maximum 0.59 percent fund expense fee because its business model removes the investment adviser, overhead costs, and the legal fees attached to each individual investor agreement. > Because LendingRobots' business model removes the investment adviser, overhead costs, and legal fees associated with each investor agreement, LendingRobot is able to charge a mere 1% management fee and a maximum 0.59% fund expense fee per year. Wulf A. Kaal, Blockchain Innovation for Private Investment Funds (2017). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2998033 - [2998033-033](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/2998033-033) [mechanism/argued] -- Per transaction fee models were previously impractical because settlement and calculation created a prohibitive amount of manual work; blockchain removes that barrier by automatically allocating the correct fee to the correct executed trade and client account without manual reconciliation. > It enables the fully automated allocation of the appropriate fee to the correct executed trade and associated client account without any manual reconciliation or settlement. Wulf A. Kaal, Blockchain Innovation for Private Investment Funds (2017). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2998033 - [3002908-018](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3002908-018) [mechanism/asserted] -- Smart contracting often makes legal contracting unnecessary, because smart contracts frequently emulate the logic of legal contract clauses. > smart contracting often makes legal contracting unnecessary as smart contracts often emulate the logic of legal contract clauses. Wulf A. Kaal, Marco Dell'Erba, Blockchain Innovation in Private Investment Funds - A Comparative Analysis of the United States and (2017). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3002908 **2018** - [3128900-022](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3128900-022) [predictive/speculative] -- Validation experts could evolve from humans into smart contracts, which would allow validation itself to become automated. > For instance, experts could evolve from humans to smart contracts in order to allow for the automation of validation. Wulf A. Kaal, Decentralized Mechanical Turk Through Verified Reputation (2018). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3128900 - [3227933-017](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3227933-017) [definitional/asserted] -- A smart contract is a computer program code or protocol that automates the verification, execution, and enforcement of specific terms and conditions of a contractual arrangement. > a smart contract refers to a computer program code or protocol that automates the verification, execution, and enforcement of certain terms and conditions of a "contractual" arrangement. Mark Fenwick, Wulf A. Kaal, Erik P.M. Vermeulen, Why 'Blockchain' Will Disrupt Corporate Organizations (2018). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3227933 - [3227933-018](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3227933-018) [predictive/argued] -- Smart contracts will become more prevalent as the Internet of Things grows, because the more devices are connected to each other, the more smart contracts will be used to execute and enforce legal transactions. > Such smart contracts will become more prevalent in the growing world of the Internet of Things. As more devices are connected to each other, the more "smart contracts" will be used to execute and enforce "legal transactions." Mark Fenwick, Wulf A. Kaal, Erik P.M. Vermeulen, Why 'Blockchain' Will Disrupt Corporate Organizations (2018). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3227933 - [3227967-013](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3227967-013) [predictive/argued] *(failure mode)* -- Junior legal professionals and legal support staff are the first casualties of the Legal Tech evolution, because applications will soon perform most junior lawyer work without the human elements that create imprecision, flaws, inaccuracies, possible lawsuits and delay. > Junior legal professionals and legal support staff are likely the first victims of the Legal Tech evolution.32 Legal Tech applications will be able to perform most of the junior lawyers' work soon without the human elements that create imprecision, flaws, inaccuracies, possible lawsuits, and delay. Mark Fenwick, Wulf A. Kaal, Erik P.M. Vermeulen, Legal Education in a Digital Age Why 'Coding for Lawyers' Matters (2018). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3227967 - [3227967-015](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3227967-015) [condition/argued] -- Contrary to commentators who predict the end of lawyers, the authors reject that claim but hold that lawyers of the future can only function as effective transaction engineers if they understand the power of code. > We certainly don't make this claim, but we do think that if the lawyers of the future are to function as effective transaction engineers, they are going to need to understand the power of code. Mark Fenwick, Wulf A. Kaal, Erik P.M. Vermeulen, Legal Education in a Digital Age Why 'Coding for Lawyers' Matters (2018). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3227967 - [3227967-024](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3227967-024) [mechanism/argued] -- As software code automates procedures and tasks, the focus of knowledge work shifts from the routine application of procedures to designing the systems and standardized functions that machines then perform. > DOAs fit in the flatter, decentralized and automated world. With software code automating procedures and tasks, the focus of "knowledge work" is shifting from the routine "application of procedures" to designing the systems and standardized functions that are then performed by machines. Mark Fenwick, Wulf A. Kaal, Erik P.M. Vermeulen, Legal Education in a Digital Age Why 'Coding for Lawyers' Matters (2018). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3227967 - [3227967-025](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3227967-025) [failure/asserted] *(failure mode)* -- Law programs have been slow to adapt to these technological developments and most students are still being prepared for a hierarchical, centralized and proceduralized world. > Unfortunately, law programs have been slow to adapt to these technological developments. Most students are still being prepared for a hierarchical, centralized and "proceduralized" world. Mark Fenwick, Wulf A. Kaal, Erik P.M. Vermeulen, Legal Education in a Digital Age Why 'Coding for Lawyers' Matters (2018). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3227967 - [3227967-041](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3227967-041) [predictive/argued] -- If standardized legal work and legal research can be performed by algorithms, the result is an opportunity rather than a threat, because it frees lawyer time for assisting clients with the new and very specific challenges of the digital world. > If the "standardized work" and legal research activities can be performed by algorithms, there is more time for assisting the client with the new and very specific challenges of the digital world. Mark Fenwick, Wulf A. Kaal, Erik P.M. Vermeulen, Legal Education in a Digital Age Why 'Coding for Lawyers' Matters (2018). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3227967 **2019** - [3405401-003](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3405401-003) [mechanism/asserted] -- Smart contracts make decentralized commerce between anonymous parties possible because they provide automated contracting that self executes and self regulates according to mathematical strictures. > Smart contracts allow anonymous parties to engage in decentralized commerce by providing automated contracting that self-executes and self-regulates according to mathematical strictures. Wulf A. Kaal, Decentralized Commerce – A Primer on Why Decentralized Reputation Verification Systems Are Needed (2019). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3405401 - [3405401-006](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3405401-006) [mechanism/asserted] -- Automation in smart contracting reduces negotiation between counterparties to near minimal levels and removes almost all of the transaction costs typically associated with contracting. > Negotiation between counterparties is near minimal, transaction cost typically associated with contracting are almost entirely removed by the automation. Wulf A. Kaal, Decentralized Commerce – A Primer on Why Decentralized Reputation Verification Systems Are Needed (2019). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3405401 - [3406323-030](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3406323-030) [mechanism/argued] -- Smart contracts enable anonymous parties to engage in decentralized commerce because automated contracting self-executes and self-regulates according to mathematical strictures, removing the need for agency and intermediaries almost entirely. > Smart contracts allow anonymous parties to engage in decentralized commerce by providing automated contracting that self-executes and self-regulates according to mathematical strictures. Wulf A. Kaal, Decentralization - A Primer on the New Economy (2019). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3406323 - [3409548-003](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3409548-003) [mechanism/asserted] -- Current hedge fund trading technology is hard coded by humans, whereas deep learning systems can be given a simple command and derive a result from data on their own; this is the operative difference between legacy quantitative tools and machine learning. > The current technology used in hedge fund trading is hard coded by a human. In contrast, a deep learning AI machine learning algorithm can be given a simple command and automatically find a result based on data. Kaal, Financial Technology and Hedge Funds (2019). SSRN: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3409548 - [3411110-012](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3411110-012) [mechanism/argued] -- Transfer agents become unnecessary in blockchain based trading models because every function they perform, including maintaining the holding record, can be automated in code and is already produced by the ledger's design. > In blockchain- based trading models, transfer agents will not be needed because every task they preform can be automated through coding. Wulf A. Kaal, Samuel Evans, Blockchain-Based Securities Offerings (2019). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3411110 **2020** - [3606663-027](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3606663-027) [mechanism/argued] -- DeFi is more efficient than existing financial intermediation including FinTech, and that superior efficiency traces to its extensive reliance on code and automation, which removes large parts of the human element and the errors and inefficiencies that come with it. > DeFi is more efficient than existing financial intermediation, including FinTech. Its superior efficiency can be traced to its extensive reliance on code and automation that remove large parts of the human element and the associated errors and inefficiencies. Kaal, Digital Asset Market Evolution (2020). SSRN: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3606663 - [3606663-031](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3606663-031) [failure/argued] *(failure mode)* -- DeFi platform technologies often have limited product market fit because the reliance on code over human judgment produces products built around automation that ignore the human element in financial transactions. > DeFi platform technologies often have a limited product market fit. The reliance on code in the market for digital assets over human judgments resulted in a focus on products that predominantly rely on automation, ignoring the human element in financial transactions. Kaal, Digital Asset Market Evolution (2020). SSRN: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3606663 **2021** - [3782191-013](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3782191-013) [design/argued] -- Because information in decentralized systems is continuously outdated by a changing environment, decentralized governance must be autonomous and automated, able to evolve, mutate, and create new information precedent, in the way mitosis replaces worn out cells. > Like mitosis, this decentralized governance process has to be autonomous and automated in the system. Decentralized governance has to be able to evolve and mutate and create new information precedent for the continuous efficient operation of the system. Craig Calcaterra, Wulf A. Kaal, Preface to (2021). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3782191 - [3782198-027](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3782198-027) [normative/argued] -- Contrary to the common engineering view that automated processes remove regulation, the purpose of smart contracts is to deliver much more fine grained regulation and more control, not less. > In fact, the purpose of smart contracts is to give much more fine-grained regulation, more control, not less. Craig Calcaterra, Wulf A. Kaal, Contemporary Decentralization (2021). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3782198 - [3782201-019](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3782201-019) [design/argued] -- The correct goal is not to eliminate the middlemen but to automate them, because unlike human middlemen automated middlemen can be designed so that they do not contribute to the corruption they were built to fight. > Automating these middlemen functions makes them more efficient, like the chemical catalysts in a cell. Unlike human middlemen, automated middlemen can be designed so that they don't contribute to the corruption they were designed to fight. Craig Calcaterra, Wulf A. Kaal, Future of Decentralization (2021). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3782201 - [3782201-035](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3782201-035) [failure/argued] *(failure mode)* -- The hope of most Web3 engineers that overhead institutions can be automated away until they vanish is largely misplaced, because business contracts are not getting simpler as technology becomes more sophisticated. > Decentralized oracles will eliminate the need for any original investigation from independent media. Automated systems will eliminate the middleman. These hopes are largely misplaced. Craig Calcaterra, Wulf A. Kaal, Future of Decentralization (2021). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3782201 - [3782205-019](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3782205-019) [design/asserted] -- The executive policing functions of business and government should be automated through smart contracts in order to prevent corruption. > The executive policing functions of our business and government should be auto- mated to prevent corruption. Craig Calcaterra, Wulf A. Kaal, Eight Institutions for the Evolution of Decentralization (2021). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3782205 - [3782205-034](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3782205-034) [design/asserted] -- Underwriting, like policing, can be decentralized and automated, which gives each network member the power to choose the level of security they require. > can be decentralized and automated, giving each member the power to control the level of security they require. Craig Calcaterra, Wulf A. Kaal, Eight Institutions for the Evolution of Decentralization (2021). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3782205 - [3782216-022](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/3782216-022) [failure/argued] *(failure mode)* -- The code that constitutes a decentralized exchange can create new risks to market integrity, because automation removes the human backstop in compliance, back office and settlement. > The code may also create new risks to market integrity because of its automation and lack of a human backstop in compliance, back office, and settlement. Craig Calcaterra, Wulf A. Kaal, Decentralized Finance (DeFi) (2021). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3782216 **2024** - [4900878-029](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/4900878-029) [design/argued] -- DeFi protocols automate financial transactions through smart contracts, cutting out intermediaries and increasing transparency, and those same features let quantum economics build models that are self executing and adaptable to real time data, overcoming implementation problems that defeat traditional economic models. > These features can be utilized in quantum economics to develop models that are both self-executing and adaptable to real-time data Wulf A. Kaal, Quantum Economy and Tokenomics (2024). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4900878 - [4900880-018](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/4900880-018) [empirical/evidenced] -- The de-skilling thesis, that new technologies invariably produce a smaller and less skilled workforce, is contradicted by research showing that firms often realize higher profitability when new technologies are entrusted to more skilled employees. > Studies indicate that leveraging new technologies often yields higher profitability when entrusted to more skilled employees, highlighting the complex relationship between technological advancement and workforce capabilities. Wulf A. Kaal, Quantum Economy and the Future of Work (2024). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4900880 - [4900880-019](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/4900880-019) [predictive/argued] -- Automation is more likely to transform jobs than to eliminate them outright, but the same transformation may widen inequality between workers and between workers and the owners of technology. > The impact of automation is more likely to result in job transformation rather than wholesale job elimination. However, it's essential to acknowledge that these changes may contribute to growing inequality between workers and between workers and technology owners. Wulf A. Kaal, Quantum Economy and the Future of Work (2024). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4900880 - [4900880-020](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/4900880-020) [empirical/evidenced] -- About 60 percent of all occupations have at least 30 percent of their activities technically automatable with currently demonstrated technologies, so automation exposure is spread across most occupations rather than concentrated in a few. > The potential for automation across various occupations is significant, with about 60% of all occupations having at least 30% of technically automatable activities based on currently demonstrated technologies. Wulf A. Kaal, Quantum Economy and the Future of Work (2024). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4900880 - [4900880-021](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/4900880-021) [mechanism/argued] -- Automation drives wage divergence: as routine tasks are automated, wages stagnate or fall for workers in exposed roles while wages rise for workers in high skill non routine jobs, which widens income inequality. > As routine tasks become increasingly automated, there's a risk of wage stagnation or even decline for workers in roles susceptible to automation. At the same time, those in high-skill, non-routine jobs may see their wages increase, potentially exacerbating income inequality. Wulf A. Kaal, Quantum Economy and the Future of Work (2024). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4900880 - [4900880-025](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/4900880-025) [condition/argued] -- Whether automation actually displaces employment turns on more than technical feasibility: technology costs, labor market dynamics, economic benefits, and regulatory and social acceptance all condition the outcome. > The impact of automation on employment extends beyond technical feasibility, encompassing factors such as technology costs, labor market dynamics, economic benefits, and regulatory and social acceptance. Wulf A. Kaal, Quantum Economy and the Future of Work (2024). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4900880 - [4900880-028](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/4900880-028) [mechanism/evidenced] -- Redistributive preferences are shaped by perceived exposure to automation: priming individuals to consider their own vulnerability to an automation shock shifts what redistribution they support. > Priming individuals to consider their vulnerability to an automation shock influences their redistributive preferences. Wulf A. Kaal, Quantum Economy and the Future of Work (2024). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4900880 - [4900880-038](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/4900880-038) [design/asserted] -- Compensation inside a DAO can be programmed to pay out automatically against predefined criteria such as task completion, performance metrics, or contribution, which cuts administrative overhead and makes distribution timely and consistent. > Compensation can be programmed to be distributed automatically based on predefined criteria, such as task completion, performance metrics, or contribution to the organization. This automation reduces administrative overhead and ensures timely and fair distribution of rewards. Wulf A. Kaal, Quantum Economy and the Future of Work (2024). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4900880 **2025** - [5095633-024](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/5095633-024) [mechanism/argued] -- Smart contracts that release payment automatically once preset quality thresholds are met reduce human error, cut administrative overhead, and accelerate data-labeling cycles relative to intermediated payment processes. > smart contracts automatically release payments to contributors once preset quality thresholds are met, thereby decreasing the risk of human error, reducing administrative overhead, and accelerating data-labeling cycles. Wulf A. Kaal, Artificial Intelligence The Final Frontier (2025). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=5095633 - [5886342-009](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/5886342-009) [design/argued] *(failure mode)* -- Where the Codex or the applicable law is applied largely automatically, the human understanding of the rule prevails over the outcome produced by that automated application, so automated execution never becomes the final authority on meaning. > In interpreting UDLC and Applicable Laws, the hu- man understanding shall prevail over the outcome Furrer Andreas, Wulf A. Kaal, Stephan D. Meyer, Universal Digital Law Codex (UDLC) (2025). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=5886342 - [5886342-041](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/5886342-041) [design/asserted] -- The Codex builds in an automated maintenance loop: each year an AI language model reviews the Codex and recommends outdated or unused rules for removal, subject to a vote of the Governing Council. > (1) Each year, an AI language model reviews the Co- Furrer Andreas, Wulf A. Kaal, Stephan D. Meyer, Universal Digital Law Codex (UDLC) (2025). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=5886342 - [5886442-003](https://wulfkaal.github.io/claims/5886442-003) [mechanism/argued] -- Unlike prior automation waves, which merely accelerated human directed activity inside existing institutional frames, the AI-to-AI economy is an ontological break in which computation itself becomes the sovereign medium of exchange. > Prior automation waves merely accelerated human-directed activity within existing institutional frames. AI2AI constitutes an ontological break in which computation itself becomes the sovereign medium of exchange. Wulf A. Kaal, The AI-to-AI Economy and the Collapse of Anthropocentric Economic Theory (2025). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=5886442 ## Verify Every claim above resolves to a record carrying a verbatim source quote, the sha256 of the source PDF, and a preformatted citation. Nothing here asks to be taken on trust. curl -s https://wulfkaal.github.io/entities/automation.md | sha256sum **Canonical form.** This markdown file is the canonical hashed representation of this entity node. Its sha256 is the content hash.