QNX Research Reveals Growing Trust in Workplace Robotics

Key Insights for Technology Leaders

Overwhelming Majority Expresses Trust in Essential Robotic Functions

A notable 77% of global technology leaders report trusting robotics to carry out essential functions in the workplace. This finding emerges from a survey of 1,000 executives across key industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, and heavy machinery, and spanning across China, France, Germany, Japan, North America, and the UK. This trust includes applications in automation, production, support, and research and development roles.

Safety and Proven Performance Underpin Growing Confidence

The research identifies safety and risk mitigation (42%) alongside proven reliability and performance (40%) as the top two factors influencing technology leaders' trust in robotics. Consistency in outcomes and accuracy (33%) and security and data protection (31%) also play significant roles in building this trust.

The Majority of Organizations Are Embracing Robotic Solutions

The survey indicates that a significant majority (71%) of organizations are either currently utilizing robotics or have concrete plans for their integration in the near future. Half of the surveyed businesses are using robotics today, with almost half (47%) of those not currently using them planning to start within the next two years. The most common current applications of robotics include automation (50%), production (46%), support roles (36%), and high-risk tasks (28%).

Comfort Levels Vary Depending on the Nature of the Task

While a substantial 70% of executives express overall comfort working alongside robots, the study reveals a decrease in comfort for tasks requiring greater human interaction. Comfort levels remain high for menial duties such as assembly line work (77%), material handling (73%), and logistics and delivery (70%). However, comfort diminishes for tasks like medical procedures (51%), customer service (55%), and maintenance and repairs (63%), suggesting a more gradual adoption in these areas.

Significant Increase in Workplace Automation Anticipated

Looking ahead, executives anticipate a significant increase in automation, with an average expectation of approximately 20% of their workforce being automated through robotics within the next decade. Notably, this expectation rises to 32% among businesses in China.

Addressing Preparedness and Security Concerns for Successful Integration

Despite the positive outlook, the research also highlights crucial considerations. Nearly a third of respondents (32%) believe their workplace is not yet adequately prepared for the introduction of robotics. Furthermore, a significant 58% express concerns regarding the security risks associated with the integration of robotics. These concerns are particularly pronounced in healthcare (64%) and Germany (69%).

Employee Engagement Crucial for Seamless Robotics Integration

The study underscores the critical role of employee engagement, with 92% of respondents agreeing that employees need to be involved in discussions surrounding robotics integration. This highlights the understanding that a smooth introduction of robotics necessitates collaboration with the workforce.

The Foundational Role of Software in Building Trustworthy Robotics

As Jim Hirsch, VP of General Embedded Markets at QNX, emphasizes, "that trust is fragile and can easily be broken if robotics are built and deployed without the necessary foundational software to make them performant, safe, secure, and reliable". QNX's expertise in providing high-performance operating systems and software solutions plays a vital role in ensuring critical robotic systems' safety, security, and reliability. Advancements in technology (90%) and improved safety (86%) are also cited as major influences in the decision to deploy robotics.

Navigating the Age of Robotics with Confidence and Careful Consideration

The QNX research reveals a growing positive sentiment among global technology leaders towards the adoption and trust of robotics in the workplace. Factors such as enhanced safety and proven reliability are driving this confidence. However, successful integration necessitates careful consideration of organizational preparedness, security concerns, and, crucially, the involvement of the human workforce. By prioritizing these factors, organizations can effectively harness the immense potential of robotics.

• The Age of the Robot - Report by Blackberry QNX (1.2MB)