AI and Robotics are here to Stay, and their Influence will only expand over Time

The rise of AI and Robotics is no passing trend—these technologies are here to stay, with their impact set to grow exponentially. My own fascination with AI and Robotics took root in the early 1990s, spurred by an animated lecture from my professor from IIT Kharagpur, India who passionately described how AI would merge cutting-edge tech with human ingenuity. His foresight of machines pushing the limits of possibility sparked a curiosity that has fueled my years of research on AI-enabled robotics and its transformative power across industries. From reshaping national security to driving industrial innovation, the changes we are witnessing are truly profound.

During a recent trip, I had the serendipitous opportunity to speak with an expert who shared his insights on how AI is revolutionizing Robotics, particularly in the realm of autonomous systems. The possibilities seem endless.

Just yesterday, I attended the AI + Robotics Summit 24, hosted by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) in Washington DC. The event was a whirlwind of innovation and insights. Dr. Marc Raibert, co-founder of Boston Dynamics and Executive Director of The AI Institute, captivated the audience with his discussion on the convergence of athletic and cognitive intelligence in robotics. He emphasized the importance of developing versatile robots—machines that think, move dynamically, and can adapt across industries, from logistics to law enforcement.

Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies, highlighted the dual-use nature of AI and robotics, underscoring their role in safeguarding critical infrastructure while addressing the risks of autonomous systems. Her call for robust risk management frameworks and the fostering of public-private partnerships resonated with me—ensuring that innovation, especially in defense and intelligence, remains both responsible and strategic.

The summit featured an impressive roster of speakers from the defense, intelligence, and manufacturing sectors, exploring topics like autonomous systems, military transformation, and the future of warfare. The tech demos were nothing short of awe-inspiring—Agility Robotics’ humanoid Digit, a robot capable of real-world task execution with precision, and Boston Dynamics’ Robo Spot, which charmed the crowd with its agile movements and playfully grooved to a catchy tune.

There were many key takeaways-?AI and Robotics are not just emerging—they are embedding themselves into the very fabric of our future. With growing adoption, significant investments, and a focus on ethical considerations, these transformative technologies will continue to reshape industries and societies alike. Their longevity is driven by the need for national security, economic growth, technological leadership, workforce development, and the ability to tackle and solve complex global challenges.

Yet, amid this surge of innovation, one fact remains clear: China is aggressively pursuing AI and Robotics leadership, aiming for technological superiority and geopolitical influence. This makes it even more crucial for the U.S. to stay ahead at all times—remaining vigilant, proactive, and invested in its own advancements in AI and Robotics.

These are exciting—and critical—times as we navigate the future of AI and Robotics in national security and beyond.

A big thank you to the Special Competitive Studies Project – SCSP for a well-organized and successful AI + Robotics Summit 24 event.

?Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and has not been written in his capacity as a U.S. State Department Official.