What’s Happening?
Auterion, a major technology platform powering the world’s leading drone manufacturers, has released its new 2023 Survey on Mobile Robotics in the Workplace. The study, which surveyed over 1,000 Americans in a wide array of industries, reveals widespread belief in the potential for mobile robots to boost productivity and safety in the workplace. Remarkably, 86% of respondents anticipate mobile robotics to be integrated into more companies within the next five years, and 78% believe that these robots will enhance productivity.
Why Is It Important?
The survey showcases a growing public sentiment in favor of robotics integration into various work sectors. It reveals that the majority of Americans, 82%, are supportive of using mobile robots for high-risk jobs that pose danger to humans, and to automate mundane tasks such as equipment inspection and inventory checks. Around two-thirds (67.5%) also anticipate that robots handling these lower-level tasks may lead to more high-value jobs for humans. However, a third of respondents expressed concern about robots potentially replacing human jobs, indicating the necessity for appropriate worker retraining and education programs in robotics.
How Will It Impact the Future of Work?
The future of work is set to be revolutionized by mobile robotics. With nearly half (48%) of the surveyed companies planning to increase the use of mobile robotics, a significant shift towards automation is in the offing. In the process, this could potentially create new opportunities for humans to take on higher-value roles, provided the appropriate training is given — a prospect favored by 70% of the workers surveyed.
Furthermore, 59% of respondents feel that investment in robotics is profitable, and more than half believe that it could increase productivity, efficiency, and safety. The survey also highlights the burgeoning role of drones, a particular form of mobile robot, in numerous tasks including photography, videography, inspection, surveillance, delivery, defense, or exploration.
As Auterion’s CEO, Lorenz Meier puts it, this survey reflects a rising expectation for workplace adoption of mobile robotics and emphasizes the importance of enabling these robots to operate in networked fleets to meet future demands.
