AI trends in robotics

By: Thomas Broderick, Edited by: Valerie Black

Published: September 12, 2025

In August 2025, CNBC reported that artificial intelligence (AI) robotics company Field AI raised $405 million from investors, including Microsoft founder Bill Gates and GPU manufacturer NVIDIA. The company's robots autonomously inspect equipment, detect threats, and transport cargo.

Learn how companies like Field AI produce these transformational machines, and discover the future of robotics and AI.

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AI and robotics in the past

Robotics traces its roots to ancient civilizations that developed lifelike dolls capable of performing simple tasks. These machines relied on hydraulics or mechanical gears and springs. Only with the invention of integrated circuits in the 20th century could researchers create programmable robots.

Like robotics, AI development started well before the invention of modern electronics. Writers in the 18th century imagined machines that could think like humans. Modern AI development began in the mid-20th century, with early computer scientists such as Alan Turing proposing thinking machines.

Some argue that the field of AI in robotics would not exist without the contributions of biochemist and science fiction author Issac Asimov. Asimov's writings, especially his Three Laws of Robotics, influenced researchers to explore how AI and robotics research could complement one another. The first AI robots could perform only simple tasks, such as planning a route by analyzing their environment.

These AI in robotics advancements made a significant impact on society in the late 20th century. Industries such as car manufacturing could lower costs by using automated processes and robotic assembly lines.

The 1990s and early 2000s also saw the introduction of AI into the broader culture. Furby, the hottest toy of 1998, used primitive AI systems to move and interact with children. Teens using the instant messenger AIM could interact with SmarterChild, an early chatbot.

AI and robotics in the present

In 2025, AI robots continue to dominate manufacturing. Breakthroughs have convinced major car brands such as Honda to downsize their workforces while investing heavily in AI robots. At the same time, Chinese companies are developing humanoid, AI-powered robots that may soon reduce the need for workers in food service and other sectors.

In the United States, online retail giant Amazon uses 750,000 robots with AI to move goods around warehouse floors. These machines work seamlessly alongside human workers to make sure your purchases arrive on time and in good condition.

Beyond manufacturing and retail, smaller companies are exploring how AI in robotics can lower costs and attract customers. AI robots can now deliver restaurant orders by mapping their environments and responding to obstacles. Major food delivery companies like Grubhub are increasingly using robots instead of human employees to fulfill orders.

Within the home, AI in robotics has evolved far beyond the primitive Furby. AI robots such as Miko can analyze users' emotions, move around independently, and learn from their surroundings. AI robots have also shown promise in helping older people live independently, increase their mobility, and receive care in emergencies.

Top AI trends in robotics for 2026

Going into 2026, industries are accelerating the adoption of AI robots. Discover future trends in robotics by exploring these latest advancements.

Dark factories

Also known as lights-out manufacturing, dark factories can run completely autonomously, without on-site human involvement. These factories rely on AI-powered robots, high-speed internet connectivity, and standardized processes. Automating the majority of factory operations lets companies lower costs, improve the final product, and commit human workers to more important tasks.

Although impressive, dark factories pose challenges, such as unpredictable maintenance schedules and significant upfront costs. AI robotics researchers in 2026 will need to solve these and other issues before dark factories can go mainstream.

General-purpose humanoid robots

In manufacturing, service, and retail applications, traditional robots such as mechanical arms and delivery platforms perform the majority of labor-intensive tasks. Research into general-purpose humanoid robots aims to put the power of AI into lifelike machines that can assist people with their work.

At various tech companies, AI robotics researchers are using technology similar to large language models to train humanoid robots in different tasks. This training may soon lead to general-purpose humanoid robots that can learn new actions through observation and practice, rather than complex programming.

Autonomous weapons systems

Since the Russia-Ukraine War began in 2022, the use of drone warfare has brought autonomous weapons systems (AWS) into the spotlight. As of 2025, AWS can identify potential targets for human operators and act within specific combat guidelines. However, advances in AI research are putting pressure on countries' militaries to define what level of AI intervention is acceptable in armed combat.

As nations grapple with the implications of AI in military robotics, manufacturers are pushing ahead with AWS. American software company Palantir Technologies is developing TITAN, a machine learning-powered military warfighting vehicle. Similarly, Anduril Industries advertises autonomous armed drones for military and law enforcement applications.

Increased industry integration

As robotics and AI technology advance, these tools will likely become more integral to many industries, such as construction. Companies like HP already sell robots that can traverse and map rugged construction sites, letting workers spot errors long before they would otherwise become noticeable.

Like the construction sector, the healthcare industry is further integrating patient care with robotics. AI software is already helping surgeons during operations and radiology technicians with analyzing complex scans.