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Automation and Robots in Services: Review of Data and Taxonomy

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Abstract

The service sector is the current technological frontier of automation, thanks to recent advanced in artificial intelligence and robotics, raising concerns for the future of work for a large segment of the workforce. This report surveys data on the variety and diffusion of service robots in the EU, in order to describe the state of automation in the service sector. Service robots are tangible artefacts of automation technology in the service sector and are relatively well defined by international standards, which makes it easier to track their diffusion. This report uses different data sources to show that the penetration of service robots is currently relatively low in the European economy, especially when compared to industrial robots. Moreover, service robots are used most often for manual tasks, in parts of the service sector that are most similar to manufacturing, such as logistics, inspection and maintenance, and surface cleaning. After comparing the different definitions and variety of service robots, this report proposes a general taxonomy for automation in the service sector, to guide future research.

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  • Matteo Sostero, 2020. "Automation and Robots in Services: Review of Data and Taxonomy," JRC Working Papers on Labour, Education and Technology 2020-14, Joint Research Centre.
    • Handle: RePEc:ipt:laedte:202014
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    1. Montobbio, Fabio & Staccioli, Jacopo & Virgillito, Maria Enrica & Vivarelli, Marco, 2022. "Robots and the origin of their labour-saving impact," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
    2. Domini, Giacomo & Grazzi, Marco & Moschella, Daniele & Treibich, Tania, 2022. "For whom the bell tolls: The firm-level effects of automation on wage and gender inequality," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(7).
    3. Filippi, Emilia & Bannò, Mariasole & Trento, Sandro, 2023. "Automation technologies and their impact on employment: A review, synthesis and future research agenda," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).

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    Keywords

    Service Robots; Automation; Service Sector; Taxonomy; employment;
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