Robots will be at Wimbledon in 10 years

This one one of the quirky findings in the market research which is being released ahead of UK Robotics Week (25 June – 1 July 2016).

The use of robots in the home is starting to grab the imagination of the UK public and 20% of those polled in the research said they would like their vacuuming chores to be undertaken by a robot.

The survey numbers reveal some surprising and interesting perceptions around robotics technology. 

More than 40% of those surveyed believe that robots will be able to perform surgical operations in the next 25 years, and over a third (35.5%) think that robots will be able to talk and have a conversation.

Professor Guang-Zhong Yang, Chair of the EPSRC UK-RAS Network, writes:

“Advances in technology will inevitably change the nature of workforce, replacing certain types of jobs whilst creating new opportunities in the process. A national level engagement is essential to ensure the general public has a clear understanding of current and future development of robotics and artificial intelligence and its positive impact on UK jobs and economic growth.”

He also believes that society needs to be “prepared for the changes in workforce structure and shift in the skills base by developing a national programme to address the digital skills gap.”

UK Robotics Week will bring together the latest research from the UK and from around the world, offering talks and demonstrations from leading robotics nations including the UK, Japan, United States, South Korea, China, Italy, Switzerland and United Arab Emirates.

For full information about all the activities planned for UK Robotics Week