When trust in robotics comes down to the Internet connection - The Robot Report

The article from The Robot Report highlights the critical role of connectivity in the expanding integration of industrial robotics into daily life, emphasizing that reliable communications networks are essential for the successful deployment and acceptance of robotic technologies. It notes that robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence are increasingly solving complex industrial challenges, with applications becoming more common in public and commercial settings. Examples include robotaxis in cities like San Francisco and Phoenix, where autonomous vehicles have shifted from novelty to normalized transportation; the extensive use of robots in e-grocery and e-commerce fulfillment centers, such as Amazon’s rapid growth in industrial robot deployment; and the evolution of robot-assisted surgery toward telesurgery, enabling remote surgical procedures via robotic arms controlled over long distances. A key takeaway is that while robotics technology has matured to meet business and consumer demands, its effectiveness and societal acceptance heavily depend on ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity provided by advanced communications networks. The article stresses that in high-stakes applications—such as robot-assisted surgery—any connectivity failure could