A competitive global race is unfolding to integrate robotics into daily life, with a new wave of AI-driven robots offering enhanced adaptability. The rapid progress in artificial intelligence has led to the deployment of robots in various tasks, such as collaborating with humans in warehouses, delivering packages in urban areas, and conducting inspections in hazardous environments. Experts emphasize that Canada faces the risk of missing out on opportunities if it does not embrace this technological shift promptly.
The prevailing buzzword in artificial intelligence circles is “physical AI,” a concept prominently showcased at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Physical systems equipped with sensors, like robots, autonomous vehicles, and industrial machinery, can now function logically and responsively in the real world when combined with current AI techniques.
During CES, Google and Boston Dynamics, an American robotics company, announced a collaboration to trial AI-powered robots at Hyundai auto plants, including two models of a robot named Atlas. Although the development of general-purpose humanoid robots for household chores like dishwashing and laundry folding is still distant, AI is increasingly transitioning into the physical realm.
Traditionally, robots were programmed in a top-down manner for specific predefined tasks, suitable for controlled environments with repetitive duties. However, a newer approach inspired by generative AI allows robots to be trained from the bottom-up, enabling them to learn dynamically and adapt without extensive coding requirements. This shift not only accelerates adaptation but also empowers robots to tackle more complex tasks by enhancing reasoning and decision-making capabilities.
Moreover, robots operating in dynamic environments, such as autonomous vehicles, can be trained in virtual simulations. For instance, at Waabi, a self-driving truck company, a realistic simulator known as the metaverse has been developed to facilitate training in a virtual environment mirroring real-world conditions.
As the robotics sector reaches a pivotal juncture, industry experts highlight Canada’s lag in this domain. Globally, China has emerged as a frontrunner in robotics innovation and adoption, with a significant portion of industrial robots worldwide installed in the country. China’s shift from importing to producing robots domestically underscores its ambitious manufacturing agenda, positioning it as a global leader in the industry.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the global robotics market witnessed substantial growth, reaching nearly $50 billion USD in 2025, with projections indicating a potential surge to $111 billion USD by 2030. In contrast, Canada’s industrial robotics adoption lags, ranking 13th in operational stock in 2024 and trailing behind several countries, notably in sectors beyond automotive manufacturing.
Canadian companies encounter hurdles in marketing robotics domestically, forcing them to seek international markets for growth. Although Canada boasts a significant number of service-robotics companies per capita, the need to expand globally hampers domestic productivity gains, exacerbating the adoption challenges within the country.
Furthermore, regulatory constraints in Canada hamper the rapid deployment of robotics technology, impeding innovation and market penetration. Industry stakeholders advocate for a national robotics strategy to propel Canada’s standing in the robotics sector and overcome existing barriers to adoption. Despite ongoing efforts to bolster the broader AI strategy in Canada, the absence of a standalone national robotics strategy raises concerns about the country’s competitiveness in the evolving robotics landscape.