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In the coming weeks, will host robotics expert Q&As. I’ve spoken with Matthew Johnson-Roberson several times since he became Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute director last year.
Johnson-Roberson is a double threat, with significant insights from two angles. He has a strong startup CV and a long academic career, most recently as a professor at the University of Michigan College of Engineering.
Johnson-Roberson co-founded and is the CTO of robotic last-mile delivery startup Refraction AI.
How will generative AI change robotics?
Generative AI’s ability to generate new data and solutions will boost robot capabilities. It could improve their ability to generalize across tasks, adapt to new environments, and autonomously learn and evolve.
Humanoids present a difficult engineering and design challenge. Human-like movement and interaction set high standards for actuators and control systems. It also requires unique balance and coordination. Despite these obstacles, the humanoid form can be highly adaptable and intuitive in a variety of social and practical settings, mimicking human interaction. However, other platforms may succeed first.
What’s robotics’ next big category after manufacturing and warehouses?
Beyond manufacturing and warehousing, robotics can solve labor shortage, efficiency, and sustainability issues in agriculture. Robotics can also boost efficiency, lower costs, and improve service in transportation and last-mile delivery. These domains will likely see faster robotic solution adoption as technologies mature and regulatory frameworks support wider deployment.
True general-purpose robots—how far out?
Universal robots that can perform many tasks in different environments may be a long way off. It requires AI, machine learning, materials science, and control system breakthroughs. Robots will gradually become more versatile, from task-specific to multi-functional to general purpose.
Will non-vacuum home robots take off in the next decade?
Home robots for eldercare and home security may emerge in the next decade. A general-purpose domestic robot that can autonomously perform a variety of household tasks is likely still a long way off. Technology, affordability, user acceptance, and ethics are all challenges.
What major robotics story or trend is undercover?
Even though robotics has made a lot of progress in certain areas and has been used successfully in certain industries, stories about robots in the future or for general purposes tend to take over these stories. The incremental but significant robotics advances in agriculture, healthcare, and specialized industrial applications deserve more attention.
