Bosch Tech Compass 2026 survey has proved that the world is ready for the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

The survey results reflect that majority of respondents feel AI will be the most influential technology in the coming years and, out of all technologies, will have the greatest positive impact on society.

China: Confident and ready for innovation and AI development

In China, respondents overall demonstrate stronger confidence in and readiness for technology and innovation.

The survey shows that 77% of Chinese respondents believe the country’s education system encourages innovative thinking and action, the highest proportion among the seven countries surveyed. At the same time, 76% say they feel prepared for the coming AI era, ranking second among the seven countries, behind India at 82%.

Looking ahead, respondents in China are most eager to see breakthroughs in personal health technologies over the next five years (54%), and also show a notably higher level of interest in home automation (37%).

In terms of core expectations for product innovation, Chinese respondents place greater emphasis on safety performance rather than simply lower costs, which is also similar to responds from Indian group.

Regarding strategic industrial autonomy, more than half of Chinese respondents (52%) believe that semiconductors and microchips, and 3% believe that pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, should strengthen domestic R&D capabilities and reduce reliance on imports.

Germany: Highest expectation of AI yet skeptic on technological progress

In Germany, the expectations associated with AI are particularly high, with 77% consider AI to be the most influential technology of the next ten years.

However, as in previous years, skepticism about technological progress is also relatively high among respondents in Germany, with only 59% believe that the technology will make the world a better place.

Moreover, only 40% German respondents currently feel prepared for the AI age – the lowest figure of all countries and at the same level as last year.

There are two factors leading to technology skepticism in Germany. Only 30% of respondents agree that education system encouraged them to develop innovative thinking and only 23% think that the country’s regulation successfully promotes innovation. These put Germany at the bottom of the rankings in both respects.

Two sides: AI will be most influential technology but bring negative social impact

Not only will AI be the most influential technology of the next ten years, but it will also have the greatest positive impact on society – said so by 43% of the survey respondents worldwide.

Biotechnology and climate engineering follow at a clear distance behind, with 36 percent and 32 percent respectively believing they will have a particularly positive impact.

However, respondents also see a downside. 34% of respondents rank AI above all other technologies when it comes to negative effects on society. Humanoid robots and self-driving vehicles come next.

“For us at Bosch, this is a clear mission: innovation must go hand in hand with responsibility. That’s why it’s especially important that we introduce rules for trustworthy AI worldwide. At the same time, efforts should be made to avoid stifling the development and use of AI through overregulation,” concluded Tanja Rueckert, member of the board of management and CDO of Robert Bosch GmbH