Robots Consumer Insights

Trend - Emerging from the prototyping stages for safety and efficacy, tech companies are beginning to implement their robotic innovations more broadly in the setting of hospitals. These robots have the capacity to support doctors during a procedure or by checking in on patients, replicating duties that are typically carried out by nurses.

Insight - Human activity can benefit from technological assistance as the intervention allows users to focus on the more important aspects of a job. Consumers become interested in such innovations, especially when it comes to the healthcare industry where precision and efficiency are prioritized for the peace of mind of all parties involved. As a result, the use of technology satisfies consumer needs which pertain to accuracy, safety, and even reassurance.

Trend - Designers and artists are looking into the extent to which modern machines and algorithms can comfort and provide solace to human beings in the tech age. Whether it is through mimicking a bodily quality or evoking a sensation, these products are an exploration or considered to alleviate anxiety.

Insight - The tech age has made consumers vastly curious about their developing relationship with machinery. Many become alienated as social media fades the immediate need for face-to-face contact, while immersive technology, broadcasting media and new forms of entertainment can have a tendency to overstimulate. Many are interested in exploring the possibilities of finding comfort in technology, which is a desire driven vastly by a curiosity about the discovery of new possibilities.

Implications - As urban environments continue to grow, there is an increased demand for fast and reliable construction to happen at any time; as a result, brands are creating high-tech products to aid current human capabilities. Drones, robotics, and AI are all playing a key role in the progression of the construction industry. This new shift within infrastructure development will allow humans to work alongside technology to create cities of the future in safer environments.

Implications - In recent years, we've seen the use of image analysis and processing expanding to better connect people to the products they seek within a retail capacity. Today, this has evolved to a place where image recognizing artificial intelligence is now being leveraged in app form for entertainment purposes. This shift highlights a new norm in youth culture where more lighthearted forms of entertainment are fueled by an increased appetite for instant gratification.

Implications - The incorporations of human-like robots into retail spaces has enhanced efficiency and workflow. In addition to enhancing productivity, these assistive robots are able to create experiential purchase journeys for customers in a way that appeals to their desire for convenience and novelty while shopping.

Implications - As drone use continues to increase in popularity and functionality, some drone makers are releasing offerings distinguished by their indestructibility. These products cater to consumers that might be cautious of investing in drone technology for fear of breaking the device. In doing so, drone makers are further contributing to the widespread accessibility and adoption of drone use.

Implications - As creatively inclined robotics become more commonplace, they are being utilized to take on challenges in manufacturing across industries to produce feats in construction, fashion and more. Able to work with tricky materials and adapt to different demands and conditions, emerging robot technology is increasingly relied upon as a resourceful production asset that also acts as a draw for consumers looking for uniquely manufactured products.

Implications - Reframing day-to-day challenges to seem less intimidating, satirical comedy is being incorporated into helpful apps and assistive robotics, making the transition into adulthood more manageable for the Millennial demographic. Already heavily reliant on technology, Millennials entering this responsibility-laden stage of their lives are practically forming relationships with their trusted tech companions, looking for devices that not only help them in their day-to-day, but also alleviate some of their stress and anxiety through humor and personality.

Implications - Robotics, particularly those intended for the home, are being designed in a way that establishes them as more of an in-home personal assistant than anything else. This occurs not only through the seamlessness with which they help users, but also with the humanization that comes with voice-control and activation. This speaks to consumers' openness to the integration of technology into their everyday lives as a means to more convenience.

Implications - As smart technology further integrates itself into all aspects of consumer lifestyle, voice control features are gaining prominence to allow users to leverage complex technology without the need for in-depth knowledge into the inner workings of their devices. From downloadable apps to built-in features, voice-activated commands bring simplicity to the increasingly sophisticated technology surrounding us.