A new report from QNX, the embedded software division of BlackBerry Ltd, highlights the UK’s mixed outlook on the adoption of robotics and automation technologies. The research, based on a survey of 150 executives across various sectors, reveals that while the UK government emphasizes the role of new technologies in boosting economic growth, businesses are unsure about how and when to implement robotics.
The survey, which included responses from industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, and heavy machinery, shows that nearly two-thirds (64%) of UK organizations are eager to introduce robotics. The primary reasons include technological advancements (94%) and cost reduction (90%), with additional motivations being safety improvements (84%) and the potential for data-driven insights (76%).
However, despite these ambitions, only 12% of companies currently not using robotics have concrete plans to do so in the next 12 months. More than a quarter (29%) of respondents have not yet set a timeline for implementation. The challenges cited include high upfront costs (50%), maintenance and downtime (35%), and a shortage of skilled workers (34%).
A key issue is the lack of clear legislative frameworks for robotics deployment. When asked whether existing AI and robotics policies are adequate, 31% of UK executives said they are not. Of those who found the regulations inadequate, 64% pointed to unclear guidelines on the ethical use of robotics. Other concerns include insufficient public awareness (47%) and a lack of training and education (45%).
The survey also found that only 12% of respondents believe current policies are very adequate, indicating a strong need for clearer and more accessible regulatory frameworks to help businesses implement robotics technologies more effectively.
When it comes to trust, UK industries show significant confidence in robotics. Seventy-two percent of UK decision-makers are comfortable working alongside robots, compared to 67% in Europe and 70% globally. Furthermore, 81% of UK companies trust robots to perform essential business functions, the second-highest level of trust behind China (92%). In comparison, North America (74%), Germany (77%), and France (76%) had lower levels of trust.
While 89% of UK industrial organizations believe they have sufficient safety measures in place to prevent accidents involving robotics, nearly a third (29%) reported that someone in their organization has experienced a robotics-related safety risk or dangerous situation. Additionally, 63% of UK decision-makers expressed concerns about the potential security risks associated with robotics, with 54% being somewhat concerned and 9% very concerned.
João Pereira, director of EMEA general embedded markets at QNX, emphasized the need for clearer legislation and better education about the safety and efficiency of robotics technologies. He stated, “Industry is embracing robotics, but uncertainty and safety concerns remain. By strengthening regulations and improving education, we can build trust and confidence, helping UK organizations deploy these technologies safely, securely, and efficiently.”
QNX, known for its high-performance operating systems and development tools, continues to play a crucial role in sectors like healthcare, where its technology is used by nine of the top ten medical device manufacturers.
