Can automation help a falling birth rate?

While much is said about automation taking jobs there is very little discussion around its ability to fill the gaps left by a retiring workforce and a lowering birth rate. Japan and Italy are already experiencing this as discussed in this short discussion.

Perhaps the real concern is that we will work the younger generations harder than previous generations, just to keep the wheels turning. if that's the case then surely an automated future is not a threat, it's an opportunity!