This year the dark side of AI and robotics has reached  a point of no return. Of course, robots and AI already played an important role on the battlefield. But never has it been used so widespread, in so many theaters worldwide simultaneously. And despite calls for regulation, never before has so much money been spent on research, and on countermeasures.

The year 2023 has been a wild ride in the world of robotics and AI. In this collection of the top 10 video reports made by the Rocking Robots Team, we revisit the trends and events that have defined the year, at the same providing a glimpse into the future of robotics and AI integration thast will continue in 2024.

British Airways is adopting artificial intelligence in a move to enhance its flight operations. This step comes as a response to several operational issues faced by the UK-based airline in recent years. Utilizing AI, the airline aims to automate key aspects of its business, particularly in maintaining its expansive fleet of over 250 aircraft, according o the Financial Times.

Robots are playing an increasingly prominent role in operations at the Sellafield nuclear site in Cumbria, with their utilization aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. While these robotic advancements are gaining traction at Sellafield, it is essential to note that they are also providing valuable insights for the wider nuclear industry across the UK.

Skyline Robotics introduced its autonomous window cleaning robot, Ozmo, to London.  The robot employs a combination of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision, integrated with advanced robotics and sensors, to perform its tasks. The robot is capable of cleaning windows up to three times faster than human workers, aiming to improve productivity while minimizing risks associated with manual labor.

Sarcos Technology and Robotics has announced that Atlantas Marine bought two Guardian Sea Class robotic systems and a support package. Sarcos delivered the systems in the third quarter of 2023.

A research initiative focusing on the challenges posed by autonomous vehicles (AVs) has been announced. The University of Portsmouth and the University of West London have been awarded funding for this endeavor by the ASIS Foundation. The research will center on the security and regulations surrounding AVs.

The Global Collaborative Robot (Cobot) Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 40% from 2022 to 2030, according to a new report published by Verified Market Research. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 1.6 Billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 16.8 Billion by the end of the forecast period.

A team at the University of Bristol,  based at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, has developed a robot that could carry out Clinical Breast Examinations (CBE). The manipulator is able to apply very specific forces over a range similar to forces used by human examiners and can detect lumps using sensor technology at larger depths than before.

A recent market study titled “How the STEM World Evolves,” conducted by Computer Futures’ parent company, SThree, unveils a pressing concern: 52% of UK IT and Technology professionals are fearful of potential job loss due to the advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation. This discovery spotlights the rising unease within the tech community, emphasizing the importance of comprehending AI and automation’s profound impact on employment dynamics.