A global competition is currently in progress to integrate robotics into our daily routines, with a new wave of AI-driven robots offering enhanced adaptability. The rapid progress in artificial intelligence has led to robots being utilized for various tasks, from collaborating with humans in warehouses to delivering packages in urban areas and inspecting hazardous sites.
These robots are now capable of learning on the job, marking a significant shift that Canada needs to embrace to avoid missing out on opportunities. The prevailing buzzword in artificial intelligence circles is “physical AI,” as demonstrated prominently at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
At CES, Google and American robotics firm Boston Dynamics revealed a collaboration to pilot AI-powered robots in Hyundai auto plants, showcasing two models of the Atlas machine. While the vision of humanoid robots performing household chores like dishwashing and laundry remains distant, AI is steadily moving into the physical realm.
Unlike the traditional top-down programming approach for robots confined to fixed, repetitive tasks, the new bottom-up training method enables robots to be more adaptable and capable of learning autonomously. This evolution allows robots to swiftly adjust and tackle more complex tasks, reaching higher levels of reasoning and decision-making ability.
China has emerged as a frontrunner in driving robotics innovation and adoption globally, with a substantial number of industrial robots installed in the country. Conversely, Canada is perceived to be lagging behind in robotic adoption, especially in industrial settings. The country’s lackluster performance in this area is compounded by sluggish productivity growth, which is closely linked to robotics adoption.
Canadian companies face hurdles in marketing robotics domestically, often having to rely on international markets for growth. This practice inadvertently widens the productivity gap within Canada, as the gains from the robotics sector are exported.
Regulatory constraints in Canada are also impeding the adoption of robotics technology, with the U.S. noted for its more permissive approach to deploying innovative solutions. A national robotics strategy could significantly benefit Canada, aligning it with countries like China, South Korea, Germany, and Japan that have already established comprehensive strategies to drive robotics advancements.
While Canada is currently focused on developing its AI strategy, the absence of a standalone national robotics strategy may hinder the realization of the full potential of these transformative technologies. The ongoing efforts in Canada’s AI strategy are anticipated to address critical aspects related to physical AI systems and automation, encompassing talent development, adoption incentives, and public trust in AI systems.