Key Takeaways:
- A global race is underway to integrate robotics into everyday life, with a focus on AI-powered robots that can learn and adapt on the job.
- Canada is lagging behind in robotics adoption, with China emerging as a leader in the industry.
- Experts say Canada needs to adopt a national robotics strategy to promote the development and adoption of robotics technology.
- The Canadian government is currently working on a broader AI strategy, but has not announced plans for a standalone national robotics strategy.
- Robotics adoption can improve productivity and competitiveness, but Canadian companies face challenges in marketing and deploying robotics domestically.
Introduction to Physical AI
A global race is underway to bring robotics into our everyday lives, with a new generation of AI-powered robots promising greater flexibility. Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence mean robots are being adopted for tasks ranging from working alongside humans in warehouses, to delivering packages on city streets, to inspecting dangerous locations. What’s more, robots are increasingly capable of learning on the job — and experts say Canada stands to miss out if we don’t embrace adoption at this critical time. The promise of physical AI is that machines, when equipped with sensors and paired with current approaches to AI, can act logically and responsively in the world.
The Future of Robotics
The future of robotics is being shaped by the development of physical AI, which enables machines to learn and adapt on the job. This approach means that robots can be trained in a bottom-up way, making them more "plug and play," or essentially able to learn on the job. Hallie Siegel, CEO of the Canadian Robotics Council, notes that this opens up robotics adoption to smaller companies that "don’t want to have to do coding and a lot of programming." Raquel Urtasun, a computer science professor at the University of Toronto and CEO and founder of autonomous trucking company Waabi, adds that machines that need to move safely in dynamic environments, like autonomous vehicles, can be trained in virtual environments.
China’s Leadership in Robotics
China has emerged as a leader in the robotics industry, with the country installing over half of the world’s industrial robots in 2024. According to the International Federation of Robotics, China is not only producing robots for its own market but is also looking to export them to other parts of the world. Susanne Bieller, general secretary of the IFR, notes that China is trying to speed up its own manufacturing and is leaving other countries behind. The overall global robotics market is expected to reach $111 billion US by 2030, with China playing a significant role in driving innovation and adoption.
Canada’s Lagging Adoption
Canada’s adoption of industrial robotics is faltering, with the country ranking 13th in operational stock in 2024. The situation worsens if the automotive sector is excluded from Canada’s equation, where adoption rates are high. Hallie Siegel notes that Canadian companies face challenges in domestically marketing robotics, with many companies forced to sell internationally to grow. This has resulted in a widening productivity gap in Canada, with companies exporting their productivity gains rather than investing in domestic markets. Avidbots, a Kitchener, Ont.-based company that makes floor-cleaning robots, is an example of a Canadian company that has had to look internationally for markets.
Regulatory Framework and National Strategy
The regulatory framework in Canada is seen as stifling adoption, with Raquel Urtasun noting that the US has been more open to technology deployment. Urtasun points to the need for a national robotics strategy to promote the development and adoption of robotics technology in Canada. Industry representatives, like the Canadian Robotics Council, agree that a national strategy is necessary to address issues such as training, incentives, and funding. China, South Korea, Germany, and Japan all have standalone national strategies in place, and Canada would benefit from a similar approach. However, the Canadian government has not announced plans for a standalone national robotics strategy, instead focusing on a broader AI strategy that will examine issues related to physical AI systems and automation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the global race to integrate robotics into everyday life is underway, with AI-powered robots promising greater flexibility and adaptability. Canada is lagging behind in robotics adoption, with China emerging as a leader in the industry. Experts say that Canada needs to adopt a national robotics strategy to promote the development and adoption of robotics technology. The Canadian government’s focus on a broader AI strategy is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the specific challenges and opportunities presented by robotics. By embracing robotics and physical AI, Canada can improve productivity, competitiveness, and innovation, and avoid missing out on the transformational aspects of these technologies.
