Robot Anxiety Peaks Where Robots Are Least Visible, Hexagon Study Finds
Event summary
- Hexagon's global study of 18,000 participants across nine markets reveals robot anxiety is highest in the UK (52%) and lowest in South Korea (29%).
- Anxiety correlates inversely with robot visibility: China, where 75% of adults have seen or used robots, shows the highest excitement (81%) about their potential.
- Security concerns (51%) outweigh job replacement fears (41%) as the top worry about workplace robots.
- Public trust in robots increases when they are deployed in clearly defined, high-risk tasks like factory work (63% comfort level).
- The study suggests reducing robot anxiety requires visibility, purpose, and control over robotic systems.
The big picture
Hexagon's study highlights a global divide in robotics acceptance, with anxiety levels inversely proportional to exposure. This challenges the assumption that job displacement is the primary concern, instead emphasizing security risks. The findings suggest that robotics companies must prioritize visibility and clear use cases to build public trust, particularly in markets where robotic systems are less integrated into daily life.
What we're watching
- Public Trust Dynamics
- How Hexagon's findings will influence robotics companies' strategies for increasing public exposure to robotic systems.
- Security Prioritization
- Whether the focus on security concerns will accelerate investments in robotic system safeguards.
- Regional Adoption Rates
- The pace at which high-anxiety markets like the UK will see increased robot deployment and corresponding shifts in public perception.
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