German public attitudes toward AI and automation

Public sentiment in Germany regarding artificial intelligence and automation shows a mix of uncertainty and cautious interest. A survey by the Körber-Stiftung indicates that many parents feel unprepared for AI, with over 25 percent describing themselves as uncertain about AI applications and only 20 percent expressing high confidence in their mastery of these tools. Parents also raised concerns about digital literacy, noting that 49 percent believe their children struggle to distinguish reliable information from misinformation. Regarding physical automation, a Bitkom survey reveals a divided public on the use of AI-driven humanoid robots in households. While 48 percent of respondents are open to using such robots for chores like tidying, cleaning, or cooking, 47 percent reject the idea. Resistance is driven by psychological barriers, including a “creepy factor” cited by 46 percent of respondents and fears of losing control over living spaces by 53 percent. Recent data from Bitkom further details these preferences, showing that among those open to the technology, 87 percent see potential in automating tidying, 77 percent in putting away groceries, and 73 percent in cleaning. While psychological barriers persist, 57 percent of respondents would consider conversing with a robot, and 14 percent believe machines could eventually replace human contact. In academic circles, the Human-Computer Interaction 2026 conference at the University of Duisburg-Essen is set to address the evolving relationship between humans and digital systems, specifically focusing on trust, control, and the integration of AI and robotics. Recent studies also suggest a paradoxical effect where increasingly human-like AI interfaces lead users to adopt robotic communication behaviors themselves, a phenomenon described as the “robotization of humanity.” Expanding the scope of AI application, a joint report by the Bertelsmann Stiftung and the OECD examines how AI might enhance political citizen participation.