AI Could Enable General-Purpose Autonomous Robots for Workplaces and Homes

The widespread use of self-driving robotaxis and delivery drones suggests that general-purpose robots capable of assisting humans in workplaces or homes may soon become a reality. This future depends on developing increasingly autonomous robots powered by modern artificial intelligence, a vision that has motivated researchers and attracted billions in investment. Matt Malchano, vice president of software at Boston Dynamics, notes that autonomy has evolved from simply navigating from point A to point B to encompassing a vast range of tasks a robot could perform independently.