AI robots are machines that can perform physical tasks but possess artificial intelligence software and algorithms to learn, adapt, and work on their own.
Instead of pre-programming a robot with step-by-step instructions to complete a task, AI gives the robot the ability to determine the best way to achieve its goal based on data — and experience.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What are AI-powered robots, and how do they work?
- What are their capabilities?
- Industries where they’re already having a transformative influence
- The Top 3 Best AI robots on the market right now
Let’s look at what you’ll get out of these machines first.
Robot AI capabilities in a nutshell
So, we’ve established that robot AI systems are rapidly taking over many previously human-centric tasks. But how are they doing it? What are these robot AI capabilities?
Here’s what they can do:
- They learn and adapt on the fly. AI-powered robots can learn from interactions, experiences, and outcomes to improve their performance over time. The result? Adapting to new situations as they come. This is great for machines like AMR robots that must stay on their toes — especially in manufacturing environments.
- They understand. A focus on natural language algorithms enables robots to understand voice commands, gestures, and, in some cases, full conversations. Some can respond and engage in some sort of dialogue.
- They can see. Using cameras and AI, robots can identify objects, read text, detect motion, and navigate without bumping into things — or people. This gives them more leeway to operate autonomously in unstructured environments.
- They plan and problem-solve. AI gives robots the skills to strategize, make decisions independently, find alternative solutions if needed, and troubleshoot issues.
- They’re great at data analysis. AI-powered robots can collect, organize, and analyze data to detect patterns, gain insights, and optimize their performance, as well as report the information to their human operators.
- They can move. Many robot AI systems have mechanical components like arms, wheels, legs, or propellers that are powered by motors, servos, or actuators. This gives them the ability to physically manipulate their environment by grabbing, lifting, and moving objects, as well as moving around. With practice, these movements can also get more precise.
How robot AI capabilities are transforming industries
AI-powered robots don’t just have potential. They’re already transforming many areas of business, from manufacturing to healthcare.
Here are some of the top use cases for these autonomous machines:
Healthcare: They’re giving it a shot in the arm
AI robots are helping reduce costs and improve care in hospitals and long-term care facilities. They deliver meals and medications to patients, transport linens and waste, and even help out nurses with simple tasks like taking vitals or helping patients walk.
Human-assisted surgical robots can help surgeons perform invasive procedures with a mind-blowing degree of precision.
Need a real-world example? Moxi, a robot assistant developed by Diligent Robotics, helps nurses with tasks like delivering supplies, transporting lab samples, and fetching items from storage rooms at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas.
Manufacturing: Helping it find its groove
Many factories have used robotics for decades, but now they are increasingly using AI robots for assembly lines, packaging, and warehouse logistics — yes, say goodbye to stacking pallets.
Robots equipped with AI vision can detect defects in products, sort items by their attributes, and optimize the flow of goods through a facility.
Collaborative robots ("cobots") can work safely alongside humans, and they’re becoming more common, affordable, and reliable by the hour.
For example, Adidas used some of Universal Robots' cobots for its Speedfactory shoe production line in Germany until 2020. These robots worked alongside human staff to automate tasks like attaching soles and laces.
Space: The final frontier
It’s no understatement to say that sending humans into space is challenging, expensive, and dangerous. AI-powered space robots and probes can explore distant planets and celestial bodies in our solar system with a high degree of autonomy.
In the future, they will conduct experiments, collect samples, take high-resolution images, and send data back to Earth while we sip our lattes.
Even further ahead in time, missions may deploy swarms of tiny AI robots to explore space in unprecedented ways. But whether it’s going to be Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos to do it first is anyone’s guess.
NASA's Perseverance Rover, currently on-site on Mars, utilizes AI to assist with navigating the challenging terrain, identifying interesting geological features, and even choosing its route. This allows scientists to focus on analyzing data and planning future missions while the rover does its thing.
Transportation: They’re getting us from A to B
Self-driving cars and drones are already benefiting transportation and logistics enormously, among other industries.
AI powers the autonomous navigation, object detection, and decision-making capabilities of these robots and vehicles. This drastically reduces human error and increases efficiency and safety.
Wing, a subsidiary of Alphabet, utilizes autonomous drones for contactless delivery of goods in Australia, Ireland, Finland, and two US States (VA and TX). These drones use AI to navigate airspace, detect and avoid obstacles, and safely deliver packages to customers' doorsteps, potentially changing last-mile delivery forever.
Over time, who knows? Robot AI capabilities may eliminate the need for human drivers and pilots! (It doesn’t mean we won’t ride around for fun, though.)
Home automation & companionship
AI-powered home robots like the Roomba can vacuum, mop, and sweep floors with zero human input while you watch your favorite TV shows.
Now, virtual assistants use AI to control smart home devices, adjust the thermostat when it’s getting chilly, play your favorite tunes, and more by using voice commands.
ElliQ, a personal robot developed by Intuition Robotics, uses AI to interact with users, provide companionship, and manage smart home devices. It can learn user preferences, play games, tell stories, remind them of medications, and basically make life more comfortable.
In a few years, who knows? AI robots may handle cooking, cleaning, yard work, and other household chores, giving us more time to enjoy our day-to-day lives.
In fact, we’re already seeing artist robots out there!
Top 3 best AI robots on the market
So, we’ve established that AI robot capabilities are already making waves. But also, if you’re just getting into the game, you may find that there are so many choices that it’s hard to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve picked out the best 3 of the lot. They are:
1) Standard Bots' RO1
RO1 from Standard Bots is a versatile AI robot that can be instructed to do various things like moving objects, inspecting equipment, pick and place tasks, CNC machine tending, and many other manufacturing jobs.
It has a six-axis arm (with multiple joints) that provides it with the mobility of a human and then some, allowing it to do a variety of quick, precise, and flexible jobs.
Plus, RO1 uses computer vision, sensors, and complex robot AI to understand its environment, complete complex jobs, and work alongside humans on the shop floor.
The best part? It does it with absolutely zero coding required!
All in all, this affordable, US-made, intelligent cobot is ideal for companies looking to get into the automation game. This, undoubtedly, places Standard Bots as one of the top AI robot companies.
2) Pepper by SoftBank Robotics
Pepper is a friendly robot created by SoftBank Robotics that can answer questions, control smart home devices, and even have basic conversations.
Its natural language capabilities and conversational AI allow it to respond to people in a natural, empathetic way, ditching the by-the-numbers communication style of most AI robots.
Pepper is a useful assistant in homes, offices, hospitals, or public spaces. However, it’s still in development and has some limitations in its abilities.
3) Orangewood Labs
Orangewood Labs builds custom AI robots for commercial and industrial use.
So far, they have created robots for welding, soldering, pick and place, and more. Their robots use the whole gamut of robot AI capabilities, including computer vision, deep learning, and robotic manipulation.
This makes their robots desirable across a wide range of industries. Of course, the capabilities of their robots depend on the needs of individual customers.
Benefits of AI robots
This may all sound like something out of a Netflix movie (probably starring Ryan Gosling), but AI and robotics are happening right now and bringing huge benefits to the table.
Here’s how:
- Taking over repetitive tasks: You know, the day-in-day-out drudgery that bores people out of their minds? This frees up human brainpower to focus on other, more challenging (or maybe happier) jobs.
- Working 24/7: Working with no breaks, holidays, lunch, or dinner — OK, maybe the occasional maintenance stoppage.
- Being safe: Many robot AI systems can use their capabilities to work alongside humans or even take over incredibly dangerous tasks in places where no human could set foot.
- Cost-cutting: While the initial investment in machine systems can be steep, most manufacturing robots provide a rapid ROI of 1-3 years, for example.
Summing up
That's just a taste of what's possible with today's advanced AI robots. As robotics and AI continue to move full speed ahead, these bots will be able to do even more complex tasks, have more natural conversations, and move more fluidly.
And, while the time of fully humanoid robots is not yet a reality, what’s undeniable is that we’re entering an age of unprecedented human/robot collaboration.
What’s even more exciting is that small and medium businesses can now compete with established giants — maybe for the first time in history.
Next steps
Looking to bring the latest in AI robot capabilities to your business? RO1 by Standard Bots is the best choice for machine shops large and small:
- Affordable: RO1 is the most affordable robotic arm in its class, starting at almost half the price of its closest competitors.
- Smart AI: RO1 features powerful AI on par with GPT-4, allowing it to smartly adapt to changing situations on your shop floor.
- Swift & robust: Despite sporting a best-in-class payload of 18 kg, RO1 outpaces rivals in both speed and precision.
- No-code: RO1 is easy to set up and program, with a no-code framework that allows you to deploy it quickly — all without writing a single line of code.
- Built-in safety: Equipped with safety sensors, machine vision, and collision detection, RO1 ensures secure and dependable operations right on your shop floor.
Speak to our solutions team today to organize a free, 30-day on-site trial and get expert advice on everything you need to deploy your first robot.
