Robots Preferred in Industry, Not in Care or Education, Finds Hexagon Study

Hexagon's "Robot Generation" study reveals a divided opinion on robot usage. Conducted with 18,000 participants globally, the study found 68% of adults favor robots for heavy lifting and hazardous tasks. However, only 12% of adults are comfortable with robots in caregiving roles. Children are even more open to robots for repetitive tasks compared to adults.

Acceptance of robots remains conditional, with 86% of adults emphasizing the need for clear rules. Industrial environments are preferred for robot deployment, cited by 63% of adults, while hospitals and schools are less favored. In contrast, robots in homes are less accepted, especially in the UK.

The study underscores a generational shift, with children 50% more likely to view robots as colleagues. Despite varied acceptance, security, reliability, and governance concerns persist among adults. This indicates a cautious approach to robot integration, especially outside industrial settings.