Autonomous robots are becoming more common in commercial settings and public spaces due to their potential to enhance real-world operations and productivity. However, as these machines move through environments and gather data about their surroundings, individuals naturally begin to ask: 'What data is being collected, how is it being used, and who has access?' Answering these questions is important—not just to meet regulatory requirements, but to establish the trust required to accelerate the positive impact and broader adoption of autonomous technologies.

In commercial settings, autonomous robots can perform tasks and gather valuable operational data to fuel insights that significantly increase efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Some robots, for example, are employed by retailers to track inventory so they can ensure the right product is on the right shelf at the right price. For people who are exposed to these technologies for the first time, these data-gathering features may raise concerns about privacy and surveillance. As AI-enabled technology becomes a part of daily life, transparency around data practices is becoming essential.

Robotics firms that communicate clearly and put solid data protection measures in place from the beginning will earn public trust. By prioritizing openness and security, they lay a solid foundation for the ethical, sustainable, and successful deployment of autonomous robots.

The Growing Concerns Around Data Privacy in Autonomous Robotics

As more cameras and sensors are added to robotic solutions, a larger volume of data is being collected in order to deliver those solutions effectively. While this technology boosts efficiency and safety, it also introduces new privacy concerns. Today, 57% of global consumers view AI-driven data collection as a major threat to their privacy, with growing concerns around biometric tracking, facial recognition, and movement analysis.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, over 4.2 million robots are already operating in industrial environments—many equipped with cameras, LiDAR, and other sensors. The challenge is clear: how can businesses leverage these systems without making customers, employees, and partners feel surveilled?

The Role of Clear Communication in Building Trust

To address these potential concerns, robotics companies must establish robust security measures that prevent unauthorized data access. One of the most effective ways to ease these concerns is through clear, consistent, and proactive communication. Companies deploying autonomous robots should openly discuss the following key areas:

• Data Collection - What specific data is gathered, and why is it necessary for the robot’s function?
• Data Purpose - How is this data leveraged? Is it for improving robotic operations, or is it shared with third parties?
• Data Storage - Where is the data stored? What security measures are in place to prevent breaches?
• Access Controls - Who has access to the data? What safeguards prevent misuse?

Without transparency, businesses risk damaging trust and customer relationships. Regulatory frameworks around the world increasingly emphasize accountability and openness in data handling. For instance, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe gives consumers specific Data Subject Access Rights (DSAR), allowing them to request detailed information about what data is collected and how it's used. Similarly, in the United States, evolving privacy laws such as California's Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) establish comparable consumer rights and underscore the necessity for clear, proactive communication.

As privacy regulations continue to evolve, robotics providers and their broader ecosystems must make transparency a top priority to stay ahead of concerns and build lasting trust.

Privacy-First Design: A Necessity, Not an Option

Building trust requires more than policies—it needs to be built into the technology itself. Robotics companies must integrate privacy-first design principles into their technology to protect business and consumer data.

Industry regulations play a significant role in ensuring compliance with these standards. For example, ISO 27001 sets requirements for an information security management system, and GDPR in the EU mandates strict guidelines for personal data protection, including data minimization and breach notification protocols. Key strategies include:

• Encryption: Ensuring that all collected data is securely encrypted prevents unauthorized access.
• Image Blurring: To protect the privacy of those in the environment, robot software should be designed to collect the information to most efficiently perform its tasks without unnecessary images of people.
• Access Controls: Only authorized personnel should have access to sensitive data, and businesses should have oversight of who can retrieve or analyze it.
• Data Localization: Storing data in a geography with a strong privacy framework, like the US and EU, ensures key safeguards are in place and prevents unwanted data exposure.

By embedding these safeguards into their technology from the start, robotics companies demonstrate a clear commitment to ethical data practices, earning the trust of both customers and industry stakeholders.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Data Privacy in Robotics

The future of autonomous robotics hinges on trust. As technology outpaces regulation, businesses must lead in setting ethical standards. Transparency will catalyze broader adoption; when people understand and trust the technology, they’ll be more open to its integration into everyday environments.

Just like people once questioned wearing fitness trackers or smartwatches, they may now question robots in public spaces. But today, there are over 450M smartwatch users, indicating that when the proper safeguards are in place, society will begin to accept them as normal, and any initial fears will fade over time. While today some people may balk at the idea of seeing a robot in a store or question what data it's collecting, soon it will be seen as completely normal, as long as we do it right and in a safe manner.

Companies must also recognize that privacy isn’t a static goal. It needs to evolve alongside the increasing use of autonomous robots in public spaces. As more robots interact with customers, their data practices must evolve in response to new technological developments and changing regulatory environments. This could mean adopting more sophisticated encryption methods, implementing real-time data analysis to detect and respond to breaches faster, or enhancing access control mechanisms as new vulnerabilities are discovered.

It’s simple: the more transparent companies are, the more trust they’ll earn. By implementing privacy-first design principles, communicating data policies, and ensuring transparency at every stage, robotics companies can foster confidence in their technology. Ethical data practices must be a priority, not an afterthought. Companies that embrace transparency will lead the industry and set the standard for responsible AI-driven automation.

As Chief Operating Officer, Brian Reinhart leads Brain Corp’s core Operations and Corporate Services team, which includes its Customer Operations, Engineering Operations, Human Resources, IT, Facilities, Business Systems, and Data Privacy & Security teams. Since joining Brain Corp in 2018, Reinhart has held multiple positions including Deputy General Counsel, Global Head of Compliance, SVP of Operations & Legal and Chief Administrative Officer. During this time, he has successfully led multiple key initiatives, including building Brain Corp’s organizational culture, developing robot safety and data infrastructure, managing partner relationships, driving continuity planning, and leading numerous critical negotiations.