TESYA Group, in collaboration with AstraRicerche, recently conducted research in most of its operating countries – Portugal, Spain, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia-to investigate sentiment toward Artificial Intelligence.
The representative sample (4,030) shared their opinions and ideas about one of the most disruptive technologies that has recently become a major player in the public debate.
A slight fear of this technology is emerging: in fact, 1 in 3 people (31%) express concern and believe that AI will cause harm (31% Italy, 30% Portugal, 31% Spain, 32% Slovenia and 35% Croatia). This is a perfectly legitimate sentiment, as history teaches that every major technological revolution brings a mix of excitement and apprehension, and AI is no exception.
By analysing its application in the workplace, it becomes clear that the sample hopes for a correct use of AI with positive effects. Among these are:
- AI and ethical use. Among the wishes is greater safety at work: for 56 percent of the sample (59% Italy, 50% Portugal, 54% Spain, 38% Slovenia, 52% Croatia), AI will make the performance of certain manual tasks safer because it will be able to prevent hazards, stop dangerous operations, and safeguard the health of workers and kindred;
- AI: a true enabler of a more harmonious work-life balance? 39% of respondents were optimistic that the time gained could be allocated to workers’ private lives (44% Italy, 35% Portugal, 36% Spain, 35% Slovenia, 24% Croatia).
Lino Tedeschi, Chairman and CEO of TESYA Group, comments, “In our vision, AI should act as a catalyst to increase business productivity and generate quality employment, enabling people to perform higher value-added tasks. We strongly advocate that AI be employed ethically, “smartly”, and conscientiously and that the adoption of new technologies should not only improve operational efficiency but also promote and enhance safety in the workplace. We are focusing our efforts on the latter. The digital innovations promoted by CGT, for example, have significantly improved and will continue to improve the safety of operators on the construction site. The applications of industrial automation and robotics solutions in logistics led by CLS can, on the other hand, significantly reduce risks for material handlers in factories or other production locations.”
