Coming Age of Robots : Implications for Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategy

This book provides an in-depth look at how American consumers will react to the significant social, economic and marketplace changes that will be brought about by the robot revolution.

Over the next twenty years, the presence of robots will dramatically increase in our daily lives. Robots will serve as maids, gardeners, companions, waiters, security guards, nurses, teachers, playmates, receptionists, chauffeurs and prostitutes – to name only a few roles they will assume. These robots will be intelligent, autonomous, communicative, emotional, and continually progressing in their abilities.

This book provides an in-depth look at how American consumers will react to the significant social, economic and marketplace changes that will be brought about by the robot revolution. Our insights come from national surveys of over 2,700 Americans, as well as a thorough review of existing academic research and expert predictions. We provide suggestions for publically-acceptable robot roles, robot design and the optimal marketplace approaches for successful human-robot interactions. Ready or not, it’s coming. And sooner than you might think.

George Pettinico, PhD, is the Rosenblum Endowed assistant professor of marketing at Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire, where he teaches both undergraduate and graduate classes. Professor Pettinico has published several articles in national business journals, and has presented his research at national conferences, with a particular focus on the intersection of consumers and technology. Before becoming an academic, Professor Pettinico worked for two decades in consumer marketing.

George R. Milne, PhD, is the Carney Family Endowed professor of marketing and associate dean of research at the Isenberg School at University of Massachusetts Amherst. Professor Milne has authored more than 160 journal articles, books, chapters, and conference papers on various marketing topics. Outlets for this research include numerous leading business journals. He has also received awards for both outstanding teaching and research.