RIYADH: The idea that robots could take over the world is not a “serious concern,” said the founder of advanced robotics company Boston Dynamics, as he warned against excessive regulation at a Riyadh technology conference on Sunday.
“There’s some fear that robots are going to somehow get out of hand and take over the world and eliminate people. I don’t really think that’s a serious concern,” Marc Raibert said during the fourth edition of the LEAP summit.
While regulation is necessary, Raibert believes that excessive restrictions could slow progress.
He expressed his concern about “overregulation stopping us from having the benefits of AI and robotics that could develop because robots can solve problems that we face in addition to causing problems.”
He added that while regulating mature applications makes sense, limiting the technology too early could hinder its potential.
His comments were made during a fireside chat titled “The Future of Robotics and AI,” in which he highlighted the role of artificial intelligence-powered robots in elderly care and assistance for people with disabilities.
“We have a couple of teams working on physical designs, but more importantly on the intelligence and perception needed to be able to do those kinds of tasks,” Raibert said.
Beyond industrial use, robotics is expected to play an important role in healthcare, supporting patient care, people with disabilities, and elderly assistance, according to Raibert, who founded the leading robotics company in 1992.
“I think cognitive intelligence, AI, is going to help us make it a lot easier to communicate with the robot, but also for the robot to understand the world, so that they can do things more easily without having everything programmed in detail,” he added.
Raibert also introduced a project at his AI Institute called “Watch, Understand, Do,” which aims to improve robots’ ability to learn tasks by observing human workers.
The initiative focuses on on-the-job training, where a robot can watch a worker perform a task — such as assembling a component in a factory — and gradually replicate it. While this process is intuitive for humans, it remains a technical challenge for robots, requiring advancements in machine perception and task sequencing.
He pointed out that while humanoid robots are gaining attention, true human-like capabilities go beyond having two arms and two legs. He emphasized that intelligence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to interact effectively with the environment will define the next generation of AI-driven robotics.
Raibert discussed the differences between robotics adoption in workplaces and homes, explaining that industrial environments offer a structured setting where robots can operate more efficiently. He noted that robots are likely to become more common in workplaces before being integrated into homes.
However, integrating robots into homes presents additional challenges, including safety, cost, and adaptability to unstructured environments. He said while home robots will eventually become more common, their widespread adoption will likely follow the expansion of industrial and commercial robotics.
As part of LEAP, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority is gathering global AI leaders at its DeepFest platform during the fourth edition of the summit.
With more than 150 speakers, 120 exhibitors, and an expected attendance of over 50,000 people from around the world, DeepFest showcases a range of cutting-edge AI technology.
The event explores emerging technologies, fosters collaboration, exchanges expertise, and builds partnerships, contributing to innovation and strengthening cooperation among experts across diverse industries.
