Four in five people (83%) believe greater regulation is required around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to protect public safety, according to research commissioned by Engineers Ireland.

In a survey of a representative sample of more than 1,000 adults conducted by Interactions Research, two-thirds (66%) expressed concerns about AI’s future impact on jobs, but 61% agreed that AI is beneficial for performing more routine tasks.

A fifth (20%) of respondents said they currently use AI tools in their jobs, most commonly large language models such as ChatGPT for content creation tasks.

Those using AI in the workplace on a daily basis were less likely to be concerned about the potential of AI replacing jobs and a need for further regulation.

Respondents were also surveyed about their attitudes towards other emergent areas of technology.  Almost two in three (65%) said that they believe the use of robotics to be useful alternatives to humans in the performance of routine or dangerous work.

A further 48% said they were concerned about the potential of robots to negatively impact the jobs market.

On the subject of Ireland’s role in space exploration, sentiment close to half (42%) said they believed that Ireland should play a larger role here.

Furthermore, 35% of respondents supported the future development of a dedicated Irish space agency to conduct research and participate in European space projects.

“The results of this research show that, while new technologies like AI and robotics carry considerable benefits across many industries, we must ensure that their implementation in the workplace is appropriately safeguarded," said Damien Owens, director general of Engineers Ireland.

“While the benefits of AI are apparent and it should become part of our work toolsets, there is an onus on both industry and regulators to address the concerns of the public meaningfully.”

Engineers Ireland will commence a drive at this week's National Ploughing Championships in Co Laois to show the public, educators and career guidance advisors the breadth of the contribution of engineering to society.

The body will be on site with a number of advanced engineered products and exhibitions to demonstrate the career opportunities associated with engineering and encourage interest amongst underrepresented groups in the profession.

The Engineers Ireland exhibition at the National Ploughing Championships will display an autonomous robot dog, Setanta, which works at construction sites conducting laser scans to identify deviations from construction plans.

The group will also exhibit a robotic arm, equipped with AI, that can play Xs and Os with humans, and give attendees an opportunity for to try on replica space suits and visit space through virtual reality.

Photo: Damien Owens. (Pic: Supplied)