Predictions for Embodied AI and Robotics in 2026 (dtsbourg.me)

As we step into 2026, predictions for the future of embodied AI and robotics are gaining traction, driven by significant advancements in Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models. These models, which combine pretrained visual and language understanding to command robotic actions, have shifted from experimental to mainstream, promising enhanced generalization and adaptability across tasks. Notably, VLAs are expected to push the boundaries with models exceeding 100 billion parameters, which could replicate the transformative scaling seen in large language models. Such advancements hold the potential to redefine how robots process information, potentially revolutionizing the field with their ability to interpret complex commands and improve real-world interaction. The implications of this progress are multifaceted; hardware capable of efficiently supporting these sophisticated models will likely emerge, further intensifying competition among tech companies. Innovations in tactile sensing for robots aim to bolster performance in contact-rich tasks, indicating a trend towards multimodal learning. With an anticipated increase in both open-source initiatives and proprietary robotics research, the ability to gather and leverage high-quality manipulation data will crucially influence the pace of development. Overall, 2026 appears poised to be a pivotal year, reshaping the landscape of robotics through exciting technological advancements and new commercial opportunities.