Last month at Beijing's half marathon, a robot named Lightning beat the human world record by nearly seven minutes, marking the latest in a series of AI-powered milestones that have prompted speculation about whether robots are on the verge of entering everyday life, much like chatbots have.
China is leading the charge in robotics, with the government pledging to invest more than £100bn over the next 20 years. To explore how robots are already entering the workforce and what is needed for them to clean homes and weed gardens, the Guardian's Ian Sample spoke with senior China correspondent Amy Hawkins and Nathan Lepora, professor of robotics and AI at the University of Bristol, who researches human-like dexterity in robots.
The discussion highlights significant advances in robotics, particularly in China, where state-backed initiatives are accelerating development. However, experts note that challenges remain, including achieving the fine motor skills required for domestic tasks. The podcast episode delves into the current state of robotics and the steps necessary for widespread adoption.
