6 trends shaping robotics and AI - The Robot Report

The article from The Robot Report, based on a survey conducted by MassRobotics with support from Lattice Semiconductor, identifies six key trends shaping the robotics and AI industries. Among the most notable is the widespread use of sensor fusion, particularly the combination of LiDAR and cameras, which 75.7% of respondents found most effective for object detection. However, challenges such as high costs, integration complexity, and maintenance needs remain significant barriers, underscoring the industry's demand for more streamlined and affordable multi-sensor solutions. Another major trend is the growing adoption of Edge AI, with half of the surveyed professionals already implementing AI at the sensor level to reduce latency and improve real-time performance. This shift drives demand for low-power AI hardware capable of on-device inference. Motor control also remains critical, with emphasis on real-time responsiveness and power efficiency, highlighting the need for advanced control systems that minimize latency and optimize energy use. Power consumption continues to be a persistent challenge, with moderate satisfaction reported and a strong market