The research, conducted by Aimpoint Digital, found that respondents highlighted the following concerns about autonomous vehicles in particular:
- Safety of other road users (70%)
- Increased risks to pedestrians (64%)
- The technology’s inability to respond to real-life driving conditions (64%)
- Job losses (52%)
- Lack of regulation surrounding the technology used in autonomous vehicles (45%)
- Fear of autonomous vehicles being prone to cyber-attacks or hacking (44%)
In addition to the above, respondents expressed reservations concerning environmental issues, legal complications, and the belief that self-driving vehicles would be less effective than driver-operated ones.
Despite the above, Aimpoint Digital describes the global arrival of self-driving freight as “inevitable”.
In a press release accompanying the key findings of its survey, Aimpoint Digital said:
“We believe in the transformative potential of AI and autonomous technologies. We are committed to fostering understanding and acceptance of these advancements, paving the way for a future where technology and human ingenuity coexist and thrive.”
The data analytics consulting firm added:
“While apprehensions are understandable, our research highlights that individuals well-versed in AI are significantly more receptive to the idea. This underscores the importance of AI and automation literacy in facilitating a smooth transition toward a more autonomous future.”
Photo: Phil Whitehouse from London, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons