A Monash University research team has published a major study in the Journal of Asian Public Policy, pointing out that several Asian cities with high robot density have failed to keep pace with the rapid proliferation of robots in their policy-making. The study calls for stronger alignment between policy and public needs to promote the healthy development of robotics technology.
The research examined six leading Asian cities in robot deployment — Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, and Tokyo — assessing their preparedness for a future increase in robots in public spaces across seven key domains: safety, privacy and ethics, productivity, aesthetics, co-creation, equitable access, and innovation.
The study found that while safety concerns are generally addressed, other issues affecting economic and social well-being receive limited attention. Chief investigator Professor Michael Mintrom from Monash University's Faculty of Arts said governments rarely engage with citizens to understand their hopes and concerns about the growing presence of robots — a significant gap in policy design.
Professor Mintrom noted that only Taipei, Tokyo, and Shanghai have shown interest in co-designing robot-related policies, reflecting a lack of proactivity and foresight in most cities. He stressed that ordinary citizens possess valuable insights that could drive innovation in future robot uses and functions, and governments should listen more to public voices.
Co-author Associate Professor Shanti Sumartojo from Monash University's Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture highlighted the challenge of keeping policy abreast of rapidly evolving public concerns. She said the research aims to explore how policy-making practices can shift from reactive responses to proactive anticipation, and that co-design may be an effective approach to addressing policy challenges in a fast-changing world.
The researchers also warned against leaving too much decision-making power over robot design and deployment to manufacturers, which risks overlooking the public interest. Professor Mintrom emphasized that while robots can bring substantial benefits to society, more work is needed to minimize the risk of negative outcomes. He urged governments to increase engagement with citizens to understand their views on the future of robotics and jointly address the challenges posed by widespread robot adoption.
