ASEAN Factories Embrace Robots, Setting Boundaries for Use

Robots in the Workplace: A Balanced Approach for ASEAN Factories \\[n]In a recent global study by Hexagon, it was found that both adults and children are open to the idea of robots in the workplace, but with clear boundaries. The study, which surveyed people from various countries, including those in the ASEAN region, revealed that while there is a strong preference for robots in physical, repetitive, and hazardous tasks, there is a significant resistance to their use in roles requiring empathy and accountability. This has important implications for the adoption of robotics in ASEAN factories, particularly in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. \\[n]### Physical Tasks: Where Robots Excel \\[n]The study shows that 68% of adults prefer robots for lifting and transporting heavy items, and 54% for carrying and delivering. Children, who are even more open to the idea, show similar preferences, with 69% preferring robots for heavy lifting and 59% for carrying and delivering. In the context of ASEAN, this means that factories in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia can leverage robots to handle physically demanding and repetitive tasks, thereby improving efficiency and reducing the risk of workplace injuries. \\[n]### Empathy and Accountability: The Human Touch \\[n]However, when it comes to tasks that require empathy and accountability, such as caregiving, both adults and children overwhelmingly prefer human involvement. Only 12-16% of respondents would choose a robot for caregiving, indicating a strong preference for human interaction in these roles. For ASEAN factories, this suggests that while robots can be used for practical and physical tasks, they should not replace human workers in roles that require emotional intelligence and personal connection. \\[n]### Practical Help and Assistive Roles \\[n]Adults in the study prioritized tasks such as capturing measurements, doing simple research, managing administrative work, and ensuring workplace safety. These preferences align well with the needs of ASEAN factories, where robots can be used to enhance productivity and safety. For example, in electronics manufacturing in Vietnam, robots can be employed to handle precise measurements and quality control, while in automotive factories in Thailand, they can assist in administrative tasks and safety monitoring. \\[n]### Generational Shift and Future Adoption \\[n]Interestingly, the study also highlights a generational shift in attitudes towards robots. While only 21% of adults view robots as full colleagues, children are 50% more likely to see them in this light. This suggests that as the younger generation enters the workforce, the acceptance of robots in ASEAN factories will likely increase. However, the current mixed feelings about robot colleagues—40% find them exciting, while 38% find them frightening—indicate that a balanced approach is needed. \\[n]### Industrial Environments: The Safe Testing Ground \\[n]The study found that adults are most comfortable with robots in industrial environments such as factories and warehouses (63%), compared to hospitals and clinics (45%) or classrooms (39%). This preference is consistent across different markets, including China, where 75% of adults have encountered robots in real life. In contrast, in the UK, where exposure to robots is lower, only 32% of adults are comfortable with robots in the home. For ASEAN, this means that factories and warehouses are ideal testing grounds for robotics, where the tasks are well-defined, safety measures are mature, and governance is transparent. \\[n]### Conclusion: Clear Rules and Governance \\[n]As the study emphasizes, 86% of adults believe that clear rules for what robots can and cannot do are essential. Additionally, concerns about security (51%), reliability (21%), and trust (26%) highlight the need for robust governance. For factory buyers in ASEAN, this means that while the potential for robotics is significant, it is crucial to establish clear guidelines and ensure that the technology is integrated in a way that builds trust and addresses security and reliability concerns. By doing so, ASEAN factories can harness the benefits of robotics while maintaining the human touch that is essential for certain roles. \\[n]