Discuss what happens to overhead rates that are based on direct labor when automated equipment replaces direct labor. Would manufacturing overhead increase or decrease

Manufacturing overhead rates based on direct labor will increase and the total overhead itself will increase as a result of the increased use of equipment instead of direct labor.

Explanation:

When overhead rates are based on direct labor and automated equipment replaces direct labor, the number of direct labor hours will decrease.  This will cause an increase in the predetermined overhead rates since fewer direct labor hours will now divide the same or even an increased level of overhead.  Even the overhead costs will increase from the replacement of direct labor with equipment.