Technology

Posted on April 5, 2018 by staff

25 per cent of Brits would replace MPs with robots

Technology

The automation of work, including the use of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), is expected to rapidly increase.

Recent research by think tank Centre for Cities found that one in five jobs in Britain will become automated by 2030.

These findings are further echoed by auditing firm PWC, who estimates more than 10 million UK workers will be at high risk of being displaced by robots within the next 15 years.

As the prevalence of automation becomes more common in our day-to-day routines, such as at supermarket self-service tills and air travel self-check in, its threat towards human jobs only becomes more apparent.

Interested in this phenomenon, Reboot Digital Marketing analysed findings from Mindshare, who surveyed more than 6,000 individuals from across the UK to see whether they would prefer robots or humans in eight different occupations and scenarios.

It found that when making car comparisons with the intention to eventually purchase, a significant percentage of Brits would want robots (60 per cent) aiding them instead of humans (40 per cent).

People would be most inclined to accept music and film recommendations from robots at 49 per cent – though 51 per cent would still opt to do so from other people such as family and friends.

However, even though most Brits (75 per cent) would still prefer humans to be their MPs, 25 per cent would elect robots to be in this position of power.

Despite the negative perceptions associated with bankers as a direct result from the fallout of the 2008 financial crisis, Brits would also still select humans (71 per cent) over robots (29 per cent) to be in their respective role.

On the other end of the scale, 11 per cent of those analysed would be least willing to take medical advice from robots.

Similarly, only 14 per cent would not feel apprehensive about receiving legal advice from robots.

“Automation is undoubtedly on the rise,” said Reboot Digital Marketing MD Shai Aharony.

“As the technologies which underpin its development become more sophisticated and efficient, certain industries will certainly face the real prospect of robotics and artificial intelligence disrupting their traditional flow of human labour.

“Whilst the assumption tends to be that it will either be people or robots, I believe they will complement each other in different tasks and facilitate new types of jobs.

“What this research certainly demonstrates is that Brits currently favour humans as opposed to robots in a handful of occupations/situations.

“Although, as automation becomes more prominent and Brits understanding of it drastically improves, this may potentially change.”