USA 
United Kingdom
More than three-quarters of global technology leaders now trust robotics to handle core workplace functions, according to new research from QNX, but the rapid growth of automation is exposing gaps in workforce readiness, safety, and leadership confidence.
The report finds 77% of senior tech professionals are open to deploying robotics across various business functions, with 71% already using or planning to implement robotics within their operations. The projected impact is significant, forecasting that one-fifth of the global workforce could be automated by 2034.
As robotics become more prevalent, the market is forecast to surge from $51billion in 2024 to $163.9billion by 2030. Yet despite rising investment and broad support for automation, nearly one in three executives believe their organisations are not prepared for robotics integration.
Workforce safety and trust remain critical
The report identifies safety, risk mitigation, and performance reliability as primary reasons for growing trust in robotic systems. Currently, automation is the leading use case (50%), followed by production (46%), support functions (36%), and high-risk tasks (28%).
Comfort levels differ widely depending on the application, it says. While most executives support automation in assembly (77%), material handling (73%) and logistics (70%), far fewer back its use in medical procedures (51%), customer service (55%) or maintenance (63%).
It points to an emerging challenge for HR leaders to address employee sentiment and ethical considerations across different workstreams.
Notably, 29% of respondents report having already encountered a safety incident involving robotics. A further 58% expressed concerns over the security risks posed by integrating automated systems into their operations.
“Trust is fragile and can easily be broken if robotics are built and deployed without the necessary foundational software to make them performant, safe, secure and reliable,” said Jim Hirsch, Vice President of General Embedded Markets at QNX.
HR urged to lead on engagement and integration
Despite caution from some executives, momentum for robotics adoption remains strong. The research shows 90% of respondents believe that advances in technology are helping drive adoption, with 86% pointing to improved safety features as another key enabler.
With the rise of artificial intelligence already prompting new conversations around human-machine collaboration, 92% of respondents believe it is essential to involve employees in robotics-related planning, reflecting a broader call to action for HR teams to lead on cultural adaptation, workforce communication, and digital upskilling.
Robotics is moving from the margins to the mainstream, and proactive leadership is now required to manage both the opportunities and risks associated with that shift.
