"Robotics and artificial intelligence software like ChatGPT rapidly shape the workplace of the future. If we get the use of these technologies right, we can vastly improve workplaces," says Patrick Schwarzkopf, advisory board member of automatica at Messe Munich in Germany.

As machines and humans interact more closely, people in the UK advocate for a human-in-command approach. Seventy-seven percent say the use of digital technology needs to leave control to people. This is in line with the 'Good Work Charter' of the European Robotics Industry, a guideline for introducing robotics and automation in a way that puts the human in the center."

The UK is facing a massive labor shortage. The manufacturing industry need to invest in automation technology to keep up with international competitors: There are only 111 robots per 10,000 employees operating in British factories. This is below the global average of 141 units and well behind countries like Germany (397 units), China (322 units) or the US (274 units), the International Federation of Robotics reports.

Seventy percent of people think that robots help manufacturers deal with the lack of factory workers. The majority embraces the benefits smart machines can provide: 77 percent welcome robots in a factory, taking on harmful work like lifting heavy loads or dangerous tasks involving hazardous materials e.g. chemicals. When thinking about the future of work, about ten percent of employees are seriously worried about the use of robots in a factory because workers need to have special training to use them. Another 43 percent have at least mixed feelings. About the same number of people welcome the machines, as they lead to more qualified and better paid jobs.

"We need to actively manage the transition to good collaboration between machines and humans, making sure that people are not left behind," says Patrick Schwarzkopf. "How traditional manufacturing changes and how the workplace of the future will evolve are two of the key topics at the world’s leading exhibition for smart automation and robotics automatica 2023, 27-30 June, in Munich, Germany.

The survey automatica trend index 2023 was conducted by the world’s leading exhibition for smart automation and robotics automatica, with the support of a professional market- research institute. A total of 5,000 participants in five countries, representative of each country’s population, were questioned on how robots and digitization are changing the world of work.