This report, published in 2021 by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), presents the main findings and conclusions of the Conference “Science for Policy” “What future for European robotics?” held online on 27-29 January 2021.
The aim of the conference was to discuss the technical, economic and social impact of robotics and to identify key policy challenges to be addressed in the short and long term, including in the context of the COVID-19 crisis and the recovery.
The report presents the outcome of the Conference Panels and debates and focuses on the following issues:
- the impact of robotisation on the economy, the future of work and employment;
- social impacts, including opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence and robots;
- interaction between humans and robots, especially in the field of education.
The main conclusions and the main part of the report provide recommendations to policymakers, in particular to ensure that ‘no one is left behind’, by implementing initiatives and investing in lifelong learning, digital infrastructure and different methodologies for interaction between humans and robots.