A worldwide competition is currently in progress to integrate robotics into our daily routines, with a new breed of AI-driven robots offering enhanced versatility. The rapid progress in artificial intelligence has enabled robots to undertake a variety of tasks, from collaborating with humans in warehouses to delivering packages on urban streets and inspecting hazardous sites.
The concept of “physical AI” is currently a prominent term in the field of artificial intelligence, as demonstrated at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The idea behind physical AI is that systems equipped with sensors, such as robots, autonomous vehicles, or industrial machinery, can operate logically and responsively in the real world when combined with contemporary AI techniques.
During CES, Google and Boston Dynamics, an American robotics company, revealed their collaboration to test AI-powered robots in Hyundai auto plants, featuring two versions of a robot named Atlas. Although the development of general-purpose humanoid robots that could potentially assist with household chores like dishwashing and laundry is still a distant goal, the integration of AI into physical tasks is currently underway.
Conventionally, robots were programmed in a top-down manner for specific sequences of actions suitable for controlled environments with repetitive tasks. However, the adoption of a bottom-up approach inspired by generative AI allows robots to be trained to be more adaptable and capable of learning while performing tasks.
This innovative approach not only enables robots to adjust more swiftly but also empowers them to handle more complex tasks requiring advanced reasoning abilities. Additionally, machines operating in dynamic environments, such as autonomous vehicles, can be trained in virtual settings for enhanced safety.
Despite the critical juncture in robotics technology, Canada is perceived to be falling behind. Globally, China has emerged as a frontrunner in the robotics industry, with a significant portion of the world’s industrial robots being present in China. The country’s shift from importing to manufacturing robots internally has positioned it as a leader in the sector, leaving others trailing behind.
According to ABI Research, the global robotics market was valued at nearly $50 billion US in 2025 and is projected to reach up to $111 billion US by 2030, signifying substantial growth opportunities. However, Canada’s industrial robotics adoption has been lackluster, ranking 13th in operational stock in 2024 and trailing behind several countries.
Canadian companies encounter challenges in promoting robotics domestically, leading them to rely on international markets for growth. While Canada boasts a high number of service-robotics companies per capita, these firms often face hurdles in gaining local traction due to a lack of awareness and understanding of the benefits of robotics technology.
Regulatory constraints in Canada have also impeded the rapid deployment of robotics innovations, contrasting with more permissive environments in other countries like the United States. Stakeholders emphasize the need for Canada to swiftly embrace robotics technology in a responsible manner to avoid lagging further behind in the global arena.
Industry advocates, including the Canadian Robotics Council, advocate for the development of a national robotics strategy in Canada to capitalize on the transformative potential of robotics technologies. While Canada’s AI strategy is under development, it falls short of a comprehensive national robotics strategy akin to those in China, South Korea, Germany, and Japan, which encompass targeted measures for training, incentives, and funding to bolster the robotics sector.
