Saunders believes that true general-purpose robots are still a long way off, as they will need to navigate unstructured environments and tackle unfamiliar problems. He also suggests that home robots will likely be introduced for specific tasks in the next decade, but multifunctional in-home robots are still more than a decade away. He emphasizes that while AI is crucial, a good robotic product also requires progress in key technologies like computers, perception sensors, and power sources. He concludes by noting the importance of the transformation in the automotive industry towards electrification and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which is driving value into adjacent supply chains.
Key takeaways:
- Aaron Saunders, CTO of Boston Dynamics, believes generative AI will play a significant role in the future of robotics, particularly in creating conversational interfaces and improving computer vision functions.
- While humanoid robots are not the best form factor for all tasks, Saunders sees great potential in the long-term pursuit of general-purpose robotics, especially in a world built around human form.
- After manufacturing and warehouses, Saunders predicts the next major categories for robotics will be in areas like construction and healthcare, due to their large workforces, high demand for skilled labor, and work environments that sit between highly structured and totally unstructured.
- Saunders believes we are more than a decade away from multifunctional in-home robots that deliver value to the broad consumer market, and emphasizes the importance of tracking progress in key technologies like computers, perception sensors, and power sources to achieve the physical embodiment needed for AI to interact with the world.