Intel survey: 60% of large firms expect robot fleets within five years, but only 40% are ready
Intel's survey of 800 senior leaders finds 60% expect to run robot fleets within five years, while only 40% have a human-robot workforce strategy.
The report is based on a survey of 800 senior leaders from organizations with annual revenue over $500 million. It assesses global robotics adoption and includes expectations from business leaders that full-scale deployment would double operational output. However, it also warns that infrastructure, skills, strategy and safety remain major challenges.
A key finding is that only 40% of surveyed businesses have a suitable strategy, despite 74% believing workforce planning will be inseparable from robotics strategy within five years. Intel noted that leaders believe deploying a robot will become more cost-effective than hiring a human in their sector within three years.
Intel said replacing people is not the goal. According to TechRadar, Intel said: “This isn't about replacing people but creating new forms of human-machine collaboration, with robots working alongside employees as productive teammates.” The report says few businesses are prepared for what large-scale deployment actually requires and closing the gap will mean redesigning operating models for a workforce that includes autonomous systems.
The readiness gap also appears in the defense industry, where confidence outstrips preparedness by 48%, according to the report. Despite the positive outlook for robotics, TechRadar notes that given the size of the organizations and the state of readiness, the “critical threshold” of widespread workplace robotics may be further away than five years.