On the Frontier of Robotics
This is a published version of our On the Frontier (OtF) newsletter series. Every month we take one global critical challenge and explore what’s at the cutting edge of it, together. Click here to join the FT Network and receive our newsletter directly.
Pictured above is an example from India, where the startup AIRbots is developing a fully electric ground robot to provide autonomous spraying, saving farmers 50-70% of their pesticide by only targeting the tree and spraying it with high-pressure mist droplets.
The tipping point has arrived. It's time to shift the momentum to where it's most needed.
“The next frontier of AI is physical AI,” proclaimed Jensen Huang in Las Vegas late last year. His words topped a series of pivotal moments in 2024, which have edged the robotics sector closer and closer to its tipping point, described by Huang as an "imminent revolution."
Many of us in this network have spent the beginning of 2025 anxiously watching the news. But while development funding is slipping from grasp, tech companies are chasing the "multi-trillion dollar opportunity" of robotics at full speed. We're hot on their heels and inviting you to join us as we explore the biggest advancements and use them to solve some of the world's greatest challenges.
Robotics could enable progress on 46% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet this potential remains largely untapped in low and middle-income countries.
Furthermore, AI alone can only do so much, but AI embodied within a robotic design unlocks huge potential because it can physically interact with the world. Robots are already used across the agriculture, energy, water, and waste management sectors, becoming increasingly autonomous and handling the the 5 D’s of Robotics.
Making robotics work for development
Robots are often imagined as sleek, futuristic machines—polished humanoid figures, precise robotic arms, or autonomous delivery bots. But what if the real future of robotics looks more like the Millennium Falcon—messy, modular, and built to withstand real-world conditions?
In our latest audio story, Dr Patrick Meier takes us on a journey through the evolution of robotics in humanitarian work, from the early days of drones in disaster response to the rise of locally driven, adaptable robotics solutions. He shares how a global network of experts is exploring ways to design robots that fit the needs of communities rather than imposing technology from the top down.
Patrick shares how robotics is poised to shape the future of agriculture, health, infrastructure, and waste management in LMICs and why the "right to repair" is a game-changing mindset for the sector given the critical risks around equity, access, and sustainability.
Alongside a diverse group of experts in robotics and development, he's challenging the notion of what robotics should look like—and who gets to build them.
🎧 Click here to listen to the 18-minute episode, or read the story here.
Onwards, but with eyes wide open
The target year for the SDGs is 2030, so there’s no time to lose. We've spent the past few months critically evaluating the role robotics can play in enabling progress toward the SDGs within the next five years alongside Patrick and contributors from around the world.
Now, it's time to ride the wave of momentum around the sector and accelerate their use for good. As we prepare to release our findings, we invite you to join us to hear them first. Will you join us?
In this online event:
We'll share what's on the horizon of robotics for development.
You'll hear from expert roboticists already developing solutions in LMICs.
Recieve a first look at our list of real-world examples already tackling development challenges in Agriculture, Climate Adaptation, and Waste Management.
You don't need to be an expert in robotics or any other technology. Just bring your curiosity, questions and enthusiasm to harness the power of robotics for good.
📆 Register for your free place to attend here.
"The ChatGPT moment for physical AI and robotics is around the corner.”
Deepu Talla, VP of Robotics, Nvidia
Still curious? Here's three more for you
Patrick emphasised local manufacturing and maker spaces... Did you catch last month's issue of OtF?
Drones have come far since Typhoon Haiyan. The Civil Aviation Authorities in Africa share more here.
How is AI influencing international diplomacy? Join us on a Field Trip to the Year 2034.
Ps. Have you heard about our Helpdesk offer? 🧑💻
The Frontier Tech Helpdesk supports members of the FCDO to explore how emerging technology and innovations can shape their work by providing tailored research, evidence, and advisory support. In fact, the AI for Education topic brief mentioned above was produced in response to a Helpesk request by an FCDO colleague. Click here to learn more and submit a request!
Thanks for exploring with us. We’ll be back next to explore what's On the Frontier of Underhyped tech!
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