Generalist Robots and the Future of AI: What You Need to Know

Are we closer to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)?

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly. While AGI (the ability for AI to think and learn like a human) remains distant, recent breakthroughs in generalist robots bring us a step closer. For example, in March 2025, NVIDIA launched Isaac GR00T N1, a humanoid robot designed to perform various tasks with minimal reprogramming. NVIDIA boldly declared that "the age of generalist robotics is here." Similarly, Google DeepMind introduced Gemini Robotics, “bringing AI into the physical world” by integrating vision, language, and action into robotics. Unlike traditional single-task machines, generalist robots can handle multiple tasks, adapt to new environments, and learn beyond their initial programming.

What does this mean for businesses and professionals? How will generalist robots reshape industries? This article explores the rise of generalist robots and how we can prepare for the future.

What Are Generalist Robots?

Traditional robots are designed for one specific task, such as welding car parts in a factory or scanning inventory in a warehouse. These machines are efficient but rigid, requiring reprogramming or new setups whenever conditions change.

In contrast, generalist robots (also known as general-purpose robots) are built to handle multiple tasks and adapt to new situations. But what makes generalist robots truly revolutionary is their ability to interact with the real world, a breakthrough powered by embodied AI.

Embodied AI: How Generalist Robots Differ from ChatGPT

Embodied AI refers to AI systems with a body that can sense and act in the physical world. It's about moving AI from just thinking and talking to actually doing. Embodied AI represents the next significant advancement for AI. This mirrors the evolution of human intelligence that progresses through movement, tool utilisation, and language.

The evolution of human intelligence is driven by three key components:

Walking Upright (Bipedalism)

When our ancestors shifted from moving with four limbs to two legs, it freed their hands for more precise movements, allowing them to craft tools, manipulate objects, and perform complex tasks. This change also enhanced spatial awareness and cognitive mapping, resulting in the development of a larger human brain.

Tool Usage

Language

AI models like ChatGPT have demonstrated that AI can excel in language tasks, however, it lacks the ability to interact with the physical world. For example, when you tell ChatGPT “I am hungry”, ChatGPT can suggest you to check the fridge and look for food, but it cannot perform the task for you. On the other hand, if you tell a generalist robot “I am hungry”, it can physically locate the fridge, open the door, identify an apple, grasp it, and bring it to you.

This highlights why embodied AI matters. It integrates perception, movement, and decision-making into physical machines, allowing AI systems to move around, manipulate objects and interact with the real world.

A prime example of embodied AI is self-driving cars, which have a physical body (the car), use sensors to perceive the world, and interact by navigating roads, responding to traffic conditions, and making decisions for a safe journey.

Why Do Generalist Robots Matter?

Unlike traditional automation, which requires precise conditions and programming, generalist robots can function in dynamic, unpredictable environments.

For example, traditional warehouse robots typically rely on QR codes or pre-programmed paths to navigate the warehouse environment. If the layout of the warehouse changes, they require new setting up and programming. In contrast, a generalist robot can navigate like a human, using visual cues to read labels and understand the surroundings. Therefore, they are still able to navigate the environment when the layout changes.

Challenges in Developing Generalist Robots

Despite their promise, generalist robots face major challenges:

Hardware Limitations

Developing robots with a human-like shape is essential because they will need to share the same physical space as humans. However, replicating human dexterity is a significant challenge. For example, the human hand is incredibly flexible due to its complex network of nerves, tendons, and fine motor control. Replicating this level of dexterity in robotics is expensive and technically challenging.

Massive Data Requirements

One breakthrough solution comes from China’s leading researcher in embodied AI, Professor He Wang. Instead of relying on costly real-world data collection, his lab uses a synthetic data generation pipeline, creating realistic virtual 3D environments to generate training data for robots, significantly improving efficiency.

Professor Wang’s team developed Galbot, a generalist robot that challenges conventional humanoid robot designs. Instead of mimicking human hands, Galbot uses a simplified two-finger gripper, rather than a full five-fingered hands, demonstrating that effective robotic solutions don’t need to replicate human anatomy but rather focus on achieving the desired outcome efficiently.

Potential Applications of Generalist Robots

🏠 Home

Many people look forward to have a robot to help with daily chores like laundry and dishes, freeing up time for meaningful activities. While it may still take a long time for every household to afford a generalist robot, labs worldwide are actively testing these capabilities.

🛍 Retail & Logistic

🚑 Healthcare

🏭 Manufacturing

From homes to hospitals, generalist robots are shaping industries in diverse ways.

How Should We Prepare for the Future with Generalist Robots?

For Professionals

Instead of fearing job displacement, focus on what AI can't do—yet. The key is working with AI, not against it. Identify tasks in your job that could be automated and reposition your skills accordingly.

Master What Makes You Human

AI is powerful, but it lacks human judgment, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Strengthen critical thinking by improving your ability to analyse complex problems and make strategic decisions. Enhance creativity through design thinking and problem-solving frameworks that push beyond AI-generated outputs. Build meaningful relationships by honing your negotiation, storytelling, and teamwork abilities.

Develop AI Fluency

You don’t need to become an AI engineer, but understanding how AI works will give you a competitive edge. Take beginner-friendly AI courses from platforms like Rakyat Digital, Coursera, Udemy or MIT OpenCourseWare. Experiment with AI tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, or any AI tools relevant to your industry. Stay informed with the latest trends by following thought leaders on LinkedIn or subscribing to industry newsletters.

Adaptability Is Key

The workplace is evolving fast, and you need to evolve too. Maintain a growth mindset and be open to change. AI is transforming all industries so expand beyond your field and commit to lifelong learning. It’s never too late to learn!

For Business Leaders

The most AI-ready companies are not just teaching AI skills. They are cultivating a workforce that thinks critically, adapts fast, and applies AI responsibly. The future belongs to those who see AI not as a replacement, but as a collaborative force to enhance human potential.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Human-AI Synergy

The rise of generalist robots mark a significant step forward in AI development, but they are not a replacement for humans. Instead, they will reshape the way work is done, automating repetitive tasks while augmenting human abilities, enabling people to focus on meaningful, creative and strategic work.

As these technologies continue to evolve, the question isn’t just whether robots will become more capable—it’s how we, as individuals and businesses, will adapt to this new era of AI. Are you ready?

Published on: 3 April 2025

Written by: CHANG Yin Jue