Bitkom
Humanoid robots as a means to combat the skills gap
Humanoid robots are already performing various tasks in industrial production. A representative survey commissioned by the digital association Bitkom shows how the industry views this overall.
The survey was conducted on the occasion of the Hannover Messe among 555 industrial companies with 100 or more employees in Germany. According to the results, the majority of industrial companies see the use of humanoid robots as an opportunity: more than half (58%) of German industrial companies believe that the use of humanoid robots can counteract the shortage of skilled workers in German industry. Many companies also see potential in terms of occupational safety. Almost seven out of ten industrial companies (68%), for example, believe that humanoid robots can reduce accidents at work.
"Geopolitical uncertainties, the economic situation and demographic change are putting German industry under pressure," says Bitkom Vice President Dr. Tanja Rückert. "Humanoid robots can be part of the solution here: they can make companies more efficient and take on tasks where work is particularly dangerous and risky or where there is a lack of personnel."
So far, humanoid robots have only been used sporadically in German industry: 6 percent of industrial companies work with them. However, one in ten companies (10 percent) are planning to do so and 8 percent are discussing it.And: Overall, almost the entire German industry (97%) can imagine humanoid robots being used across the board in production, at least in the long term. However, according to the perception of industrial companies, skepticism towards this technology still prevails in the workforce. For example, 62% state that their employees are skeptical about the use of humanoid robots. One reason for this reluctance will be related to concerns about their own jobs.
Rückert: "Used correctly, technology supports people, increases productivity and thus secures the competitiveness of the industry - and thus preserves existing jobs or creates new ones. For this to succeed, companies must involve their workforce at an early stage, take concerns seriously and reduce fears of contact through targeted training and further education."
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