Public trust in artificial intelligence growing, according to new survey

05 June 2018

Results from the third quarter of a research study have revealed that distrust in artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming less of a barrier to the widespread introduction of driverless vehicles for UK investors.

The survey of 100 investors reveals only 41% believe that distrust in AI is harming the future of autonomous vehicles (AVs), which is down from 58% in quarter one.

Take a look at the full report.

The research, carried out by international law firm Gowling WLG and research agency Explain the Market, shows that a lack of clear rules and regulation for AV remains a concern. 55% of investors think that the UK Government's commitments in relation to AVs are too vague and regulation is not yet well defined.

Stuart Young, head of automotive at Gowling WLG, said: "It's promising that these results indicate less resistance to the wider use of artificial intelligence. However, there is clearly a persistent concern around regulation and until there is more clarity around this, the widespread use of AVs is going to be slower than it could be."

According to the survey, growth in the electric vehicle market remains dominant as the most important factor to bear in mind when considering investing, yet there are still issues that need to be addressed in this area. One investor said: "How companies manage the infrastructure roll out for recharging needs to be addressed quickly."

As our economy enters a new period of instability, the importance of monitoring investor attitudes increases. This is the third wave of a year-long study of over 1,000 investors. The ongoing tracker study will track the confidence, attitudes and opinions of UK investors to the AV sector and reveal what investors really want as the sector develops. The study will also probe the real barriers and factors that impact confidence.

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Rebecca Glover-Knight Senior Corporate Communications Manager Birmingham