Advancements in generative artificial intelligence (AI) are redefining how machines mimic the complexities of human thought. A crucial question now fueling the tech industry’s imagination is: How can we empower AI to transcend the digital realm and become an active participant in our physical world?
Zhang Bo, a prominent academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlights the importance of developing embodied AI—a concept aimed at bridging the digital and physical domains. At 89, Zhang was one of the first scientists in China to study AI in 1978. He continues his research as the honorary director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
“Embodied AI represents the next leap in artificial intelligence,” Zhang explains. “It’s about enabling machines to not only ‘think’ or ‘say’ but also to ‘do’—to interact with and respond to the physical environment.”
The evolution from generative AI, which focuses on data processing and language generation, to embodied AI, which involves perception and action in the physical world, could revolutionize industries ranging from robotics to autonomous vehicles. This shift underscores the significance of integrating AI into tangible applications that directly affect daily life.
As AI continues to advance, Zhang’s pioneering work serves as an inspiration for the next generation of researchers and innovators striving to merge digital intelligence with physical action.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
