Overview

Hexagon released findings from its global Robot Generation study, conducted by Vitreous World between October and November 2025, surveying 9,000 adults and 9,000 children aged 8‑18 across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, China, Brazil and India.

Preference for Robot Tasks

Among adults, 68 % would prefer a robot for heavy lifting, 54 % for carrying and delivering items, and 52 % for monitoring hazards. Children showed slightly higher openness, with 69 % favoring robots for heavy lifting and 59 % for carrying and delivering. Both groups strongly rejected robots for caregiving: only 12 % of adults and 16 % of children would choose a robot to care for the sick, elderly or children, while 71 % of adults and 67 % of children preferred a human.

Desired Robot Functions

Adults prioritized practical assistance: 53 % would use robots for capturing measurements or simple research, 38 % for administrative tasks, and 34 % for ensuring workplace safety. Children indicated a strong educational role, with 60 % wanting robots to help understand school lessons and 48 % to generate ideas.

Attitudes Toward Robot Colleagues

Only 21 % of adults consider robots as full colleagues and 14 % would want a robot in charge, whereas children are about 50 % more likely than adults to view robots as full colleagues. Regarding emotional response, 40 % of adults find the prospect of a robot colleague exciting, while 38 % find it frightening.

Preferred Work Environments

Adults feel most comfortable with robots in factories and warehouses (63 %), followed by hospitals and clinics (45 %) and classrooms (39 %). Exposure varies by market: 75 % of Chinese adults have encountered robots in real life and 63 % would be comfortable with a robot at home, compared with only 32 % in the United Kingdom.

Design Preference and Governance

When asked about robot appearance, 28 % prefer machine‑like designs versus 22 % who favor human‑like forms. Adoption is conditional: 86 % of adults say clear rules defining what robots can and cannot do are essential. Security concerns were cited by 51 % of respondents, reliability by 21 % and trust by 26 %.

Expert Commentary

Dr Jim Everett, Associate Professor in Moral Psychology, noted the potential for robots as assistive devices in elderly care or classrooms but emphasized that most people do not want to be cared for by a robot. Dr Blay Whitby, Technology Ethicist, added that people support technology that helps them remain independent at home. Burkhard Boeckem, CTO of Hexagon, highlighted that industrial settings provide the most defined tasks, mature safety cases and visible governance, making them the natural entry point for robot adoption.

About Hexagon

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) is a global leader in measurement technologies with approximately 17,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of roughly €3.7 billion. The company’s portfolio spans aerospace & defence, automotive, construction, general manufacturing, mining and other vital industries.

Media Contact

MikeWorldWide PR, email: hexagon@mww.com.