Driving the increase in public interest in robotics and automation is both a fascination with the potential of these technologies to change our lives, and a fear of the impact of automation – including robotics – on jobs. These fears are tied into broader geo-political and social shifts driven by issues such as trade policy and immigration that, overall, contribute to a sense of insecurity about the employment prospects of current and future generations. Consequently, many headlines focus on the potential negative outcomes of automation. This risks overshadowing the very real positive contributions of automation and robotics to productivity, competitiveness and job creation. In addition, it could undermine discussion and action on the measures that should be taken to enable countries, organizations, and individuals to reap the benefits of automation.

• The Impact of Robots on Productivity, Employment and Jobs_updated 2018 (206KB)