Theory

Rob & AI research

How would you define Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to systems or machines that simulate human intelligence to perform tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and decision-making. These systems can adapt and improve based on data without being explicitly programmed for every scenario.

AI has existed for nearly 70 years. Why is it experiencing an impressive growth right now?

AI is becoming increasingly popular due to several key factors: increased availability of large datasets, exponential advances in computing power (especially GPUs), breakthroughs in machine learning algorithms (like deep learning and transformers), and accessible cloud platforms and open-source tools that democratize development.

Can you identify three domains or classes of problems where current AI models still face significant challenges?

AI continues to struggle in areas such as:

Generalization: Fails when data shifts from what the model was trained on
Reasoning & Causality: Weak in abstract reasoning, long-term planning, and understanding cause-effect relationships
Trust & Safety: Bias, lack of explainability, unpredictable behavior in critical applications

Can you name at least three application sectors where robots are widely used, and explain why they are employed in those sectors?

Robots are widely used in:

Manufacturing: For welding, assembling, and painting—robots improve speed, precision, and reduce human risk
Logistics/Warehousing: For sorting, transporting, and packing goods—robots handle high volumes efficiently
Electronics: For delicate, repetitive tasks like chip placement and circuit assembly where precision is key

Do you believe that the convergence of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and fully autonomous robotics is imminent and could potentially have a major impact on the world?

While AGI remains a long-term goal and is not imminent, progress is accelerating. If combined with autonomous robotics, the societal impact could be massive—transforming labor markets, raising ethical concerns, and redefining economic systems. However, achieving safe, general-purpose robotic intelligence remains a complex challenge.