Final answer:
The primary barriers to automation are significant capital investment and a limited degree of flexibility, with increasing machine costs prompting a shift to less capital-intensive methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
While the concept of automation remains valid, the primary barriers are significant capital investment and limited degree of flexibility. Automation requires upfront capital to invest in the technology and equipment that make up the physical capital necessary for production. Additionally, there's the need for a level of flexibility in the automation systems to adapt to changing production needs or to update the technology as improvements are made. A shift towards less capital-intensive and more labor-intensive methods may be observed when the cost of machines increases. Another aspect to consider includes the human capital factor, where a cultural readiness for industrial work patterns is essential. Cultural factors may also influence the availability and efficiency of the labor force, such as the participation of women in the workforce in various regions.