Artificial intelligence (AI) is moving beyond the digital space and significantly impacting the physical world. At the Web Summit in Lisbon, Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm, highlighted how small language models (SLMs) enable AI to operate at the edge. These models let robots and devices process generative AI locally, eliminating delays, enhancing responsiveness and improving energy efficiency. This innovation is a breakthrough for real-time applications and robotics. At the same event, Peggy Johnson, CEO of Agility Robotics, introduced Digit, a humanoid robot designed for industrial tasks like moving goods and handling repetitive processes. Meanwhile, at Slush in Helsinki, Bernt Øivind Bornich, CEO of 1X Robotics, showcased EVE, a humanoid robot tailored for customer-facing roles in retail and healthcare. These two examples illustrate the diverse directions in robotics development: Digit prioritizes industrial applications, while EVE focuses on commercial environments. With my background in driving innovation across industries, I see humanoid robots spearheading a new era in robotics. By combining cutting-edge AI with physical functionality, they are set to transform productivity and reshape collaboration in diverse sectors.

Full opinion : How artificial intelligence is powering a new wave of Humanoid Robots.