A global competition is currently in progress to integrate robotics into our daily routines, with a new era of AI-driven robots offering enhanced adaptability. The rapid progress in artificial intelligence has led to robots being utilized for various tasks, from collaborating with humans in warehouses to delivering packages in urban areas and inspecting hazardous locations.
Robots are now increasingly capable of learning on the job, and experts warn that Canada could lose out if it fails to embrace this shift in adoption promptly. The latest buzz in artificial intelligence is “physical AI,” as showcased at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The concept involves equipping physical systems, such as robots, autonomous vehicles, or industrial machinery, with sensors to enable logical and responsive actions in conjunction with current AI methodologies.
During CES, Google and Boston Dynamics, an American robotics firm, revealed their collaboration to trial AI-powered robots in Hyundai auto plants, showcasing two versions of a robot named Atlas. Although the development of general-purpose humanoid robots for household tasks like dishwashing and laundry folding is still a distant goal, AI is progressively transitioning into the physical realm.
Traditionally, robots were programmed in a top-down manner for specific sequences of actions suitable for controlled environments with repetitive tasks, like those in factory settings. However, a new approach inspired by generative AI allows for training robots in a bottom-up fashion, making them more adaptable and capable of learning autonomously.
This shift in methodology not only enables robots to adjust swiftly but also empowers them to handle more complex tasks requiring reasoning and decision-making abilities. For instance, autonomous vehicles that navigate dynamic environments can undergo training in virtual settings. Companies like Waabi have developed realistic simulators to train self-driving vehicles effectively.
While robotics technology reaches a critical juncture, experts highlight Canada’s lag in the field compared to global leaders like China. The country’s adoption of industrial robots is notably trailing, with China emerging as a dominant force in the industry. China’s strategy to bolster domestic manufacturing by rapidly integrating robots is propelling its growth and influence in the global robotics market.
The overall global robotics market witnessed significant growth, reaching nearly $50 billion US in 2025, with projections suggesting a potential surge to $111 billion US by 2030. In contrast, Canada’s industrial robotics adoption is faltering, as the country ranked 13th globally in operational stock in 2024, falling behind other nations like Spain, India, and France.
Moreover, Canadian companies face challenges in marketing robotics domestically and often need to explore international markets for growth. Regulatory constraints in Canada are also cited as obstacles to the widespread adoption of robotics, hindering innovation and deployment in the country.
Industry advocates, including the Canadian Robotics Council, advocate for a national robotics strategy to enhance Canada’s competitiveness in the global robotics landscape. While Canada is developing an AI strategy, experts stress the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses hardware aspects to fully leverage the transformative potential of technologies like robotics and AI. Other leading nations, such as China, South Korea, Germany, and Japan, have established dedicated national strategies for robotics, incorporating measures like training initiatives, incentives, and funding support.
Despite Canada’s current focus on broader AI strategies, the absence of a dedicated national robotics strategy raises concerns about the country’s preparedness to capitalize on the benefits of robotics and AI advancements in the future.