New research on UK attitudes to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is now out from Bosch as part of a global study.

Greater safety is seen as the foremost benefit of AI for mobility

The Tech Compass 2024 survey asked more than 11,000 people about their perceptions towards technology, exploring their thoughts on technological progress and the opportunities and risks of technology and AI.

Two-thirds (65%) of the UK public said AI will be the most influential technology in Britain in the next 10 years; a significant increase from 38% in the 2023 report. And a third (34%) of UK respondents think AI will make a positive contribution to society; up from 27% in 2023.

Generative AI will change our world to a degree comparable to what the rise of the internet did, according to 68% of UK respondents. But only 35% of Brits feel personally prepared for the era of AI and 62% of respondents felt that the most important step a person can take to prepare for the era of AI is educating themselves.

However, 50% of respondents believe the UK is well prepared for the advancing technological progress in the field of AI, compared to 46% globally.

When it comes to mobility, people worldwide would like to see the greatest benefits from AI in increased safety (60%), reduced fuel consumption/ greater range (54%) and easier and stress­free parking (39%).

While the desire for greater safety in the car through AI comes first in all countries, with the exception of France, there are regional differences in the rankings.

Particularly striking is the comparatively high desire among Asians (China: 50%, India: 46%) for driving assistance features to enable alternative activities while driving and to improve the driving experience (China: 58%, India: 45%), which is less pronounced in Western countries and Brazil.

Other UK-specific findings across the Bosch report include strong support for mandatory labelling of AI-generated content – 87% of UK respondents would like to see this, compared to 82% globally.

Over half (54%) of people in the UK hope that AI will solve global health issues and 40% would like AI to be able to solve global food poverty and hunger.

The Tech Compass 2024 report is available here.