Robots have expanded their reach far beyond traditional assembly lines and are now found in warehouses, offices, hospitals, retail environments, and even homes. This shift is prompting questions about how robotics are influencing various industries and affecting areas like IT support and workplace safety.
An online survey conducted among IT professionals explored these issues, asking:
- Whether robotics and robotic systems currently hold an important role in their industry.
- How these systems are being utilized in their respective sectors.
- How they expect the use of robotics to evolve over the next 2-3 years.
- If robotics currently play a crucial role within their own companies.
- The extent to which IT departments are involved in the planning, deployment, or support of these systems.
- How the maintenance and support demands of robotics compare to other IT systems.
- Which industries are predicted to expand their use of robotics in the near future.
- The anticipated impact of robotics on employment within their industries over the next few years.
- Their level of concern regarding the safe integration of robots working alongside humans both within their company and in general.
The survey revealed that 65% of respondents feel that robots and robotic systems do not currently have a significant impact on their industry. However, 66% expect a noticeable or moderate increase in their use within the next two to three years. Approximately 25% believe there will be no change in usage, 9% are unsure, and only 1% anticipate a decrease.
Looking ahead, the industries most likely to see increased deployment of robotics include manufacturing (75%), logistics and delivery (69%), healthcare (58%), agriculture (57%), transportation (49%), mining (47%), telecommunications (47%), and military and public safety (46%).
When it comes to working physically alongside robots, 57% of respondents expressed little or no concern, 32% reported some safety concerns, and just 11% indicated they were very worried about the potential risks.
