Key Takeaways:
- Physical AI is emerging as the next major wave of artificial intelligence, enabling machines to sense, think, and act in the real world.
- Physical AI is grounded in real-time sensor data, allowing robots and self-driving cars to handle complex tasks and adapt to changing environments.
- The technology is being applied in various industries, including automotive, robotics, and healthcare.
- Companies like Qualcomm are positioning themselves as key players in the physical AI space, developing power-efficient semiconductor designs and integrating cameras, sensors, and connectivity features into single pieces of silicon.
- The convergence of AI and robotics is expected to lead to mainstream adoption, with robots powered by physical AI being used in various applications, including inspecting power grids, assisting in surgery, and working alongside humans in warehouses.
Introduction to Physical AI
Physical AI is a rapidly emerging field that is taking artificial intelligence out of the virtual world and into the real one. As Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm, noted, "It’s going to be massive." Physical AI enables machines to sense, think, and act in the real world, allowing them to handle complex tasks and adapt to changing environments. This is made possible by real-time sensor data, which enables robots and self-driving cars to make split-second decisions while moving and interacting with the world around them.
Applications in Automotive
Physical AI is being applied in various industries, including automotive. As Amon explained, "When you think about assisted driving and autonomous driving, that’s a physical AI problem." Qualcomm has transformed into a major automotive technology provider, positioning itself as a key player in the industry’s shift toward "software-defined vehicles." The company’s move into automotive was driven by the recognition of increasing computing needs within vehicles, particularly in processors for assisted driving. As Amon noted, "You cannot put a server in the trunk of a car," highlighting the need for power-efficient semiconductor designs.
Expansion into Robotics
The conversation around physical AI naturally extends to robotics, and Amon believes its impact will go far beyond humanoid robots. At CES, Qualcomm announced a full suite of robotics technologies, demonstrating the company’s commitment to this emerging field. As Amon said, "The same thing that made Qualcomm successful in automotive will make us successful in robotics." The company’s experience in consumer electronics has enabled it to integrate cameras, sensors, and connectivity features into single pieces of silicon, a design well-suited for modern vehicles and robots.
Convergence of AI and Robotics
A 2026 tech trends report by Deloitte explores how AI and robotics are converging. "Robots powered by physical AI are no longer confined to research labs or factory floors," the report states. "They’re inspecting power grids, assisting in surgery, navigating city streets, and working alongside humans in warehouses." As organizations overcome the challenges associated with large-scale deployment, AI-enabled robots are expected to move from niche applications to mainstream adoption. This convergence is expected to have a significant impact on various industries, from healthcare to manufacturing.
Industry Developments
In related news, Patti Kangwankij was appointed CFO of Marqeta, Inc., effective February 9. Kangwankij joins Marqeta from real estate technology company Roofstock, where she serves as CFO. Meanwhile, Daniel Gabbay was appointed EVP and CFO of Healthcare Realty Trust Incorporated, effective January 12. ADP released its latest national employment report, which showed private sector employment grew by 41,000 jobs in December, a reversal from November’s losses. OpenAI also announced the debut of ChatGPT Health, a dedicated experience inside ChatGPT where users can securely connect medical records and wellness apps.
Conclusion
Physical AI is an emerging field that is expected to have a significant impact on various industries. As Cristiano Amon noted, "It’s going to be massive." The technology is being applied in automotive, robotics, and healthcare, and companies like Qualcomm are positioning themselves as key players in the physical AI space. As the convergence of AI and robotics continues to gain momentum, we can expect to see mainstream adoption of AI-enabled robots in various applications. As Amon said, "The same thing that made Qualcomm successful in automotive will make us successful in robotics," highlighting the company’s commitment to this emerging field.
https://fortune.com/2026/01/08/from-factory-floors-offices-physical-ai-is-going-to-be-massive/