Robots may scare some, but we recently conducted research that reveals 75% of Brits see the benefits of robotics, and are confident they are not a threat, nor will they replace human services. Londoners are the most positive, with 31% believing robots would improve our lives for the better.
However, the younger generation appears to be the least supportive of robots, with almost 20% of 18-24 year olds stating they find the thought scary and predict they will be a threat, while the older generations (55+), say they do not see robots as a future problem.
Whilst the majority of people seem happy to embrace this technology in the future, when it comes to the use of robots in hotel services, Brits have mixed feelings. When it comes to budget, 18% responded positively, as they believe having robots in hotels may reduce hotel rates, however, they also consider human service and interaction as key in hospitality. Indeed, 34% do not think robots can replace the personal service humans deliver, and worry it will spark trust issues (39%) and lack personality (58%).
Overall, the research reveals that hotels with human staff are not under threat just yet, with 72% of Brits still stating they would not opt for a fully automated robotic hotel over a traditional one operated by humans.
So is the future looking bleak for robots? Certainly not, with the majority of Brits fairly confident in embracing technology and robots in the future. Even so, they are still skeptical about how robots can improve their life and their holidays.
This research was commissioned to mark the launch of our latest digital insight, a documentary series developed in partnership with Motherboard – VICE’s technology channel – to investigate how and where the worlds of technology and travel converge. The first episode sees viewers join Motherboard on a visit to the Henn-na Hotel in Japan to check out a robot-run establishment. The hotel is at the cutting edge of travel accommodation, reducing faff and costs by employing actroid androids – robots that mimic humans. The staff of ten robots are capable of all required functions and run a slick operation in the hotel. But how will humans find this experience?
