#USA #London #Hexagon #AI Trust #Robot Anxiety

Survey Reveals Global Insights into Robot Anxiety

A groundbreaking global study conducted by Hexagon, the leader in measurement technologies, has unveiled significant disparities in how individuals perceive robots. The research, titled "The Robot Generation," surveyed 18,000 participants across nine key markets, shedding light on the factors influencing robot anxiety and trust.

Key Findings of the Study

The survey highlighted that the UK holds the highest level of anxiety concerning robots, with a staggering 52% of adults expressing concerns about potential issues when interacting with these technologies. In stark contrast, South Korea reported the lowest anxiety levels at only 29%.

Robot Anxiety Breakdown

The following statistics depict the percentage of adults who feel worried about potential malfunctions or issues related to robots:

• - UK: 52%
• - US: 45%
• - Brazil: 45%
• - Germany: 44%
• - China: 44%
• - India: 42%
• - Switzerland: 39%
• - Japan: 35%
• - South Korea: 29%

Interestingly, these anxiety levels were found to correlate strongly with individuals' exposure to robots in their everyday lives. For instance, only 30% of UK adults reported having seen or used robots, which likely contributes to their heightened anxiety. Conversely, 75% of Chinese adults reported having experience with robots, and they exhibit the most enthusiasm for the future of robotics, with 81% acknowledging a positive outlook.

Nature of Concerns

When it comes to the specific anxieties regarding robot technology, the study revealed that fears related to security far outweigh concerns about job displacement. A significant 51% of adults cited the risk of hacking and misuse of robots as their primary concern, surpassing worries about being replaced in the workforce (41%) and trust-related issues (24%). This insight suggests that the narrative surrounding robots may need to shift from a fear of job loss to understanding the security implications of robotic technologies.

Contextual Factors Affecting Trust

Several context-dependent factors can alleviate fears and build trust in robotics. Hexagon asserts that people's comfort levels increase dramatically when they perceive robots as tools designed to solve tangible problems. The highest comfort levels were recorded for robots in industrial settings, particularly factories and warehouses, where 63% of participants felt at ease with their presence. This contrasts sharply with only 39% of respondents who felt comfortable seeing robots in educational environments.

Addressing Robot Anxiety

Hexagon's study reveals a clear pathway toward reducing robot anxiety. Key measures include improving the visibility of robots in practical applications, ensuring clearly defined roles for robotic systems, and establishing robust security measures to protect data and decision-making processes.

Burkhard Boeckem, the CTO at Hexagon, emphasizes that public discomfort arises from a lack of understanding regarding the purpose of robots and their governance. “When people can see robots working safely alongside humans in familiar environments, anxiety levels decrease significantly,” he noted.

Dr. Jim Everett, an Associate Professor in Moral Psychology, added depth to this observation, stating that fostering trust in AI goes beyond asking, "Do you trust AI?"; it involves considering which tools are being used and for what purposes.

Discussing Practical Experiences

Meaningful interactions with robots can also help mitigate fear. Michael Szollosy, a Research Fellow in Robotics, remarked that personal encounters, especially with approachable robotic designs, can dramatically change perceptions. Exposure to robots alters discourse and paves the way for broader acceptance.

Conclusion

The Hexagon study showcases a complex landscape of public sentiments toward robots, revealing that confidence isn’t uniformly negative but rather varies significantly based on exposure and contextual applications. As the landscape of robotics evolves, establishing trust through familiarity and clear application will be key to dispelling fears and embracing the possibilities that robots have to offer.

Methodological Approach

The data discussed arises from a comprehensive survey conducted by Hexagon in collaboration with Vitreous World, targeting adults and children aged 8-18 across the USA, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, China, Brazil, and India, carried out between October and November 2025.

Hexagon continues to stand at the forefront of measurement technology, adaptive to the growing landscape of artificial intelligence and robotics, focusing on enhancing safety, productivity, and the overall experience with emerging technologies.