Columbia University

AI is moving beyond computers and into the real world. Robotics expert Sami Haddadin is leading this change. On March 4, 2025, he will speak at the Columbia AI Summit about how AI that moves, learns, and adapts could transform our lives.

What Is Embodied AI?

Unlike traditional AI, which only processes data, embodied AI interacts with its environment and learns through experience—just like humans.

“Embodied AI understands the world by touching, seeing, and moving things,” says Haddadin. While regular AI recognizes a ball in a picture, embodied AI can pick it up and learn how it rolls.

Why It Matters

Haddadin believes embodied AI could revolutionize science. “AI will no longer just sit inside computers—it will help us make real-world discoveries,” he says. Robots could assist scientists, doctors, and even space explorers, accelerating breakthroughs.

Challenges

The real world is unpredictable, making AI adaptation difficult. “A self-driving car must react to roadblocks. Similarly, robots must adapt to changes in homes and workplaces,” Haddadin explains. Researchers are working to make AI more flexible and safe.

Will Robots Be in Every Home?

Movies imagine robots handling chores, but making that a reality is hard. “AI excels at complex problems, but simple physical tasks remain tough,” Haddadin says. However, robots are improving, and household AI helpers may arrive sooner than expected.

Looking Ahead

Haddadin’s keynote will explore how AI can solve real-world problems and speed up scientific discoveries. The future isn’t just about smarter computers—it’s about AI that moves, learns, and works alongside us.

By Vraj Parikh