Bringing AI To Life: The Role of Autonomous Systems In Transforming Industries

At the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting, the potential of autonomous systems was explored, emphasizing their transformative role across various industries.

These systems, which combine mechanical engineering, AI, sensor technology, and connectivity, are moving beyond digital realms and into the physical world, carrying out complex tasks in unstructured environments.

As highlighted in a WEF article by Maria Alonso, the lead of Autonomous Systems at the Forum, this shift could redefine productivity and growth, impacting everything from transportation to healthcare.

Autonomous vehicles, often seen as the face of this revolution, are already making their mark. In cities like San Francisco and Wuhan, fleets of driverless taxis, or robotaxis, are operating without safety drivers.

However, despite these examples, challenges remain. The high costs and complexity of deploying robotaxis have led some car manufacturers, including General Motors, to reassess their strategies, as noted by the Alonso.

Meanwhile, autonomous trucks and semi-autonomous private vehicles continue to gain traction, promising significant benefits in safety and efficiency, especially for long-distance trucking, which could operate around the clock, says the WEF.

Beyond transportation, autonomous systems are reshaping industries like manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and public services. BMW is testing humanoid robots in its automotive factories to enable 24/7 production and improve task quality, explains the WEF.

In the mining sector, companies like Rio Tinto are using self-driving trucks in remote locations, while Saudi Aramco deploys autonomous underwater vehicles for offshore surveys. The agriculture sector, too, is benefiting from these advancements with autonomous tractors and harvesters, boosting productivity in an industry under pressure to meet global demand, as noted by the WEF.

The public sector is also leveraging autonomous systems in diverse ways. From deploying robot dogs for trash collection in China to using drones for power line inspections in the UK and delivering healthcare to remote areas in India, governments are tapping into these technologies to improve public services, as noted by the WEF.

Despite the numerous benefits, the rise of autonomous systems raises important ethical and safety concerns. Alonso pointed out the need for robust guardrails to govern the deployment of these systems, especially considering their potential to cause physical harm if malfunctioning.

Additionally, timely workforce upskilling is essential to ensure workers are prepared for changes brought on by automation, and the purpose of these systems must be carefully considered to address pressing societal needs. Indeed, the WEF previously highlighted the importance of reskilling, as 39% of skills are expected to become obsolete by 2030.

As autonomous systems continue to evolve, their successful integration will require collaboration between the public sector, private companies, and academia to ensure that their deployment is both ethical and beneficial to society.