Report: QNX research reveals 77% of global technology leaders trust robotics in the workplace

QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited, unveiled new research showcasing growing positive attitudes from global technology leaders about the adoption and trust of robotics within the workplace.

The research, The Age of the Robot, analyzed data from a survey of 1,000 executives from across the healthcare, manufacturing, automotive and heavy machinery industries revealed that the majority (71%) are currently using robotics in their organization or have plans to do so in the future.

Trust trends coupled with the rise of robotics

As part of the research, QNX reports that nearly four in five (77%) trust robotics to carry out essential functions within their industry, with advancements in safety and risk mitigation (42%) and proven reliability and performance (40%) being the two biggest factors that influence this trust.

Across all regions and industries, organizations are embracing the rise of robots within the workplace, with the most common uses being automation (50%), production (46%), support (36%) and high-risk tasks (28%)

Comfort challenges affect adoption
Despite 70% of executives expressing comfort working alongside a robot within their industry, the study also exposed the reality that comfort levels decrease when comparing types of tasks.

While most are content with robotics taking the lead on menial duties like assembly line work (77%), material handling (73%) and logistics and delivery (70%), trust is harder to come by for robotics handling tasks that require more human interaction, such as medical procedures (51%), customer service (55%), and maintenance and repairs (63%), suggesting these areas will be slower to automate than others.

The global robotics market is experiencing significant growth and transformation. Market research firm Interact Analysis recently released several reports showcasing the major transformation of the robotics marketplace. And according to global technology intelligence firm ABI Research, the value of the global robotics market will increase from $51 billion in 2024 to $163.9 billion by 2030.

With advancements in AI and machine learning enhancing the capabilities and adoption of robotics, the overall trend points towards increased integration of robotics across various industries.

Safeguarding workers and workplaces

Despite an eagerness towards deployment, the QNX survey also reveals clear areas of caution, with nearly a third of respondents (32%) believing their workplace is not yet prepared to handle the introduction of robotics. This has created a potential blind spot for employers when it comes to utilizing their capabilities and, most importantly, keeping workers safe.

"From surgical instruments to self-driving forklifts, industries the world over are embracing robotics in the workplace and are increasingly at ease with the role these new technologies play,” said Jim Hirsch, VP of general embedded markets at QNX. “As this data makes clear however, that 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. Only when we prioritize the safety of human workers and their environment will workplace robotics achieve their full potential.”

Additionally, the survey found that more than half (58%) express concerns about the security risks associated with introducing robotics within their industry, while nearly a third (29%) said that someone in their organization has experienced a robotics-related safety risk or dangerous situation.

Other survey findings

QNX also highlighted the following survey data:

• Advancements in technology (90%) and improved safety (86%) were called out as the two biggest factors influencing the decision to deploy robotics.
• 92% of respondents feel employees need to be involved in the discussion around robotics integration.
• Almost two-thirds (64%) of respondents think their current government AI and robotics policies and regulations are adequate at addressing the ethical implications within their industry.

QNX research survey disclaimer: This online survey of decision makers on robotics within the healthcare/medical devices, manufacturing, automotive and heavy machinery industries was commissioned by QNX and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between [05/03/2025] and [14/03/2025]. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council.