Are we really approaching a 'Cambrian Evolution' of robotics?

With the growing advancements in AI and robotics technologies, there arises a pertinent question – Are we about to witness a Cambrian explosion of robots anytime soon?

About half a billion years ago, there occurred a rapid diversification of Earth’s animal life called in what is called as the ‘Cambrian Evolution.” This evolution led to major changes in the animal life resulting in the evolution of vision, improved hunting skills, and the ability to find mates. It is believed by scientist that the atmosphere reached a threshold level, where it contained enough amount of oxygen to create more energized life forms, hence resulting in the Cambrian explosion. With growth and revolution in AI and robotics technology, there are chances that we may experience a similar explosion of diversifications and applications of robotics. Gill A. Pratt suggested that the ‘Cambrian Explosion of robotics is approaching.’ He further stated that the base hardware technologies which are essential for operations such as computing, data storage, and communication have been improving, resulting in considerable growth in robotics. Additionally, two new technologies, Cloud Robotics and Deep Learning could be leveraged to enhance these base technologies and achieve an entirely new level of advancement. This highlights the technology might reach a threshold level, where robots will be more smart and affordable, which might result in the Cambrian evolution of robots.

Robots: What they have offered humans?

Robots have already entered our lives resulting in path-breaking advancements and assist humans in various sectors including automobile, military, space, transportation, medical, and many more. With the advancements, robots are made more friendly, intelligent, and most importantly affordable to organizations and end users. Robots have found their jobs in most of the sectors. The major benefit of robots, it offered to humans, is to perform a variety of jobs which are tedious or even impossible for humans to think. Moreover, robots can work 24/7, without human errors, and provide perfection in jobs. Robots can lift heavy loads and toxic substances, helping organizations save their money and time. The medical field has seen greatest advancements, where tedious surgeries are carried by robots, helping with great accuracy. Furthermore, Cambrian evolution of robots will undoubtedly snitch human jobs, leading to unemployment and less value for the economy. Highly talented people will be paid more, whereas common people will be less paid since their jobs will be undertaken by robots. Humans will hire their robots, and enjoy their leisure time. This might create more laziness amongst people, and increase their health issues.

Cambrian explosion of robots: Is it really approaching?

Pratt suggested that the ever-increasing growth in data storage, computation power, electronic power efficiency, and other technological growth will result in Cambrian explosion of robots. He further indicated that the exact time when this explosion will occur is difficult to mention. Cambrian explosion of robots will result in sudden changes that we haven’t experienced before, impacting our future lifestyles in significant ways.