The study by United Robotics was conducted with a total of 7,779 participants in Germany, France, Italy, Canada and the United States. Its tenor: people in the countries surveyed are generally very interested in robotics. There is a consensus among the respondents that the sector will grow and gain in importance - in Germany, a full 90% of respondents believe this. In areas such as industry, digital technology, security and, above all, healthcare, the view is overwhelmingly positive.

In general, the Germans surveyed see robotics as a good opportunity to tackle some of the pressing social challenges - from demographic change and the resulting shortage of skilled workers to the growing importance of innovative services. Even more than in other countries, participants from Germany see considerable potential for the increased use of robots in social areas such as the hospitality industry (61%), care (67%) or the education sector (67%).

At the same time, the level of information on the topic of robotics in society is relatively low. The study results make it clear that many people feel inadequately informed or not informed at all - particularly in Germany and France. This lack of knowledge leads to numerous uncertainties and fears about the actual effects of the use of robots in everyday life. These range from discomfort in the presence of a largely autonomous robot to concerns about the impairment of social ties and worries about the rationalization of jobs.

Overall, opinions are divided in Germany with regard to the opportunities and risks of robotics. A majority believe that both are roughly balanced - with a slight preponderance of risks. In contrast, respondents in Italy and the United States in particular emphasize the benefits somewhat more strongly.

"Almost everyone is aware of the growing importance of robotics - but in view of the concerns that still exist, continued education is just as important as clarifying the benefits in order to reduce fears and uncertainties. Raising awareness of the topic should start as early as possible. This requires massive investment in training," explains Thomas Linkenheil, Co-CEO of the United Robotics Group. "If suitable financing strategies are developed for service robotics in Europe and funding for research and innovation is increased, robotics can unleash its full potential - and convincingly refute the arguments of skeptics."

Germany needs to catch up in education

© United Robotics

However, the interviewees see not only risks, but above all the key levers for a robotics transformation in the two main areas of 'the world of work' and 'education'.

Robotics has an important function in the education system, as this is where the conditions for further progress are created and the skilled workers of tomorrow are trained. Nevertheless, this area in particular shows significant deficits. This is particularly true in Germany, where only 38% of elementary school pupils support learning with the help of robotics. In fact, only 11% have come into contact with the topic here so far; in secondary schools and universities, the figure is 19% each. The corresponding figures are higher in all other countries. The participants in the study predominantly agree with the topic: The teaching of robotics content is particularly popular at secondary school and university level.

Parents and pupils or students have a predominantly positive view of the use of robotics in lessons and the presence of robots in the classroom. Parents also tend to be more in favor of integrating robotics into the curriculum from the outset than teachers or students. Users expect it to promote rational thinking in areas such as mathematics or engineering (70 to 79% approval) and organizational skills (49% approval).

Opportunities in the world of work

In the world of work, robotics is rated positively by almost 80% of respondents overall, particularly with regard to corresponding activities in this sector. 70% of all respondents believe that robotics and the relevant companies in the sector are attractive potential employers. However, around 75% are still unclear about suitable entry opportunities in the sector. Furthermore, such activities are primarily seen as an offer for a group of employees with a higher level of education. Nevertheless, 49% of study participants from Germany between the ages of 15 and 24 can imagine working in this sector when choosing a career - in comparison, this is less than in other countries.

About the study

The online surveys were conducted by Toluna Harris Interactive from October 24 to November 2, 2023. A total of 7,779 people were surveyed simultaneously in the five countries: Germany (1,561 people), France (1,568 people), Italy (1,566 people), the United States (1,536 people) and Canada (1,548 people). A representative sample of the national population aged 15 and over was surveyed in each country. The representativeness of the sample was ensured by the quota method according to the criteria of gender, age, place of residence and income level (with the exception of France, where the socio-professional category [SPK] was used).

The United Robotics Group

Founded in 2020 by Thomas Hähn, the United Robotics Group unites eight service robotics companies to form an ecosystem by combining hardware and software expertise under one roof. More than 500 employees from 30 nations work for the company. Headquartered in Bochum, Germany, United Robotics Group brings together cutting-edge technology and robotics experts from the social and industrial world with the common goal of supporting humanity with technology and facilitating processes for people so that they can focus on human interactions in a safe environment. United Robotics Group is a subsidiary of RAG-Stiftung Beteiligungsgesellschaft (RSBG SE), which mainly focuses on technology and engineering-driven companies. SoftBank Robotics Group is a minority shareholder of United Robotics Group.