Overview
In general, robots are human-made physical entities with ways of sensing themselves or the world around them and the ability to create physical effects on that world. Beyond this statement, there is no consensus on a robot’s defining characteristics. Importantly, robots must integrate many different component technologies to combine perception of their environment with action. These technologies include actuators (e.g., motors, arms, gears), sensors, control systems, materials, power sources, and real-time programming. As a result, it takes a large interdisciplinary effort to move from a working prototype to a massproduced robot in the market. The key engineering challenges are the design of individual components and the integration of these components to perform tasks.
Robots today are used primarily for tasks that fall within the “three D’s”: dull, dirty, or dangerous. These include manufacturing, warehouse logistics, food production, disaster assistance, military services, security, and transportation. Autonomous robots excel at working in structured environments where conditions are predictable, whereas humans have the advantage in more unpredictable environments.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
Data in Robotics Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), such as the creation of ChatGPT, show how large datasets can drive progress, but robotics faces unique challenges. AI robotics needs detailed visual and sensor data on touch, motion, and physical interactions. Unlike language models trained on trillions of tokens (fundamental units of text, such as words), the available datasets for robots are much smaller. Simulations add data but lack real-world complexity, requiring costly calibration. To address this, a hybrid strategy of blending advanced AI methods with proven engineering approaches is necessary.
Humanoid Robots Robots can perform many tasks needing physical presence. Humanoid robots can help address labor shortages in logistics, manufacturing, and hospitality, and can assist in healthcare tasks like lifting patients and delivering medications. Their human-like form facilitates smoother integration into humandesigned environments. However, high costs, inefficient use of energy, and safety concerns limit adoption. Advances in actuation, AI, and control systems are key for practical and safe real-world applications of humanoids, even if some are deployable today in low-risk areas.
Robots in Warfare Advances in autonomy, communications, and cost-effective robotics are prompting the Pentagon to invest in autonomous robotic weapons. These systems support logistics, resupply, casualty evacuation, explosive ordnance disposal, surveillance, and armed precision strikes, reducing risk to friendly soldiers. An emerging defense concept integrates robotic platforms with networked infrastructure for scalable, adaptive, and efficient combat operations, working with crewed platforms, which are capable but significantly more expensive. Challenges to wider use include electronic jamming, cybersecurity, and ethical concerns around lethal autonomy.
Other key developments addressed in the main report include manufacturing and food production.
