Daniela Rus & Gregory Mone | The Heart and the Chip: Our Bright Future with Robots | Talks at Google

Robotics and artificial intelligence are poised to transform daily life by augmenting human physical and cognitive capabilities. Daniela Rus and Gregory Mone, co-authors of *The Heart and the Chip*, emphasize that the future of robotics lies in "physical intelligence," where AI enables machines to learn, adapt, and interact with the physical world more effectively. Key challenges remain in developing hardware that balances soft, compliant materials with structural strength, alongside creating sensors that mimic human tactile perception. Beyond technical hurdles, the discussion highlights the necessity of "computational thinking" in education, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach that prepares students to understand and control the tools of the future. By demystifying these technologies, society can move past fears of displacement and instead leverage robots as personalized assistants in fields ranging from surgery to home maintenance and education.