As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the scientific community studying its progress is reaching a limit on the problems that can be solved in purely digital environments. This is driving AI research into the physical world, where robotics becomes the next frontier of innovation.
Developing artificial intelligence that allows robots to operate in unstructured and dynamic environments, adapt to unforeseen circumstances, and learn from their experiences opens the door for robots to take on more complex and demanding tasks. This includes physical interaction and collaboration with humans, precise object manipulation, and functioning in unpredictable environments.
Spanish company PAL Robotics has been developing service robotics for 20 years and is among those already working in this direction. Their recent advancements explore how to equip robots with advanced capabilities to understand and interact with their surroundings.
European frameworks for AI development
In Europe, the debate on AI and robotics is intensifying within the framework of national and EU-wide strategies to regulate their development. Most countries have already defined their priorities, and Spain has taken a step forward with the *HispanIA 2040* report, published in January this year. This government study analyzes the long-term impact of AI on the economy, society, and sustainability, with a focus on ensuring that technology serves the common good and aligns with democratic values.
Europe has the opportunity to lead this transformation if it embraces the integration of these advancements. With more autonomous robots and increasingly efficient development tools, robotics can expand into new strategic applications and play a key role in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and mobility. This shift is essential for developing robots capable of interacting autonomously and safely with people and their environment.
The challenges of robotics
In the coming years, Europe will face multiple socio-economic challenges, from an aging population to sustainability and digital transformation. Robotics will be a key factor in addressing these issues, but for its impact to be truly significant,investment in education, training, and technological development is needed today.
We are still in the early stages of what robotics can offer. Its evolution will drive transformation at various levels of society and strengthen the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Robots are no longer isolated machines performing repetitive tasks; they are now integrated into strategic sectors such as agriculture, industry, and healthcare—fields where AI is driving profound change, just as it is in robotics.
AI is present throughout the entire process and goes beyond large language models (LLMs)—from teaching robots how to walk to enabling them to interact with different people and contexts, responding autonomously. A framework that ensures agility and accessibility in robotics development is essential. AI allows robots to create a symbolic, semantic representation of the world—an innovation that will redefine the future.
A collaborative network
Robotics is inherently multidisciplinary; to generate economic and social benefits, it must integrate a wide range of technologies and address their socio-technical impact. PAL Robotics has demonstrated its ability to lead these advancements through its extensive experience in European collaborative research projects in robotics and artificial intelligence. Through various international consortia, the company has contributed to the development of robots that are more autonomous, safer, and better adapted to complex environments.
These projects foster a collaborative research ecosystem that positions Europe as a global leader in robotics. With over 20 years of experience, PAL Robotics continues to take significant steps toward the future, addressing the major social, economic, and environmental challenges of our time.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Diana Assennato (+34 687143772).