ADI explains the race to make AI physical

Artificial intelligence has become extraordinarily good at understanding language, images, and code. The next challenge is more difficult: understanding reality, according to Analog Devices Inc., or ADI. Physical AI shifts intelligence from digital environments to machines that must perceive, decide and act in the world.

Unlike software, these systems must deal with imperfect measurements, time constraints, changing conditions and consequences of actions, the company said in a new report. Success will depend on more than model performance. It will require advances in sensing, simulation, computing, connectivity and control.

In many cases, the technologies that determine the success of a system lie below the application layer itself. A machine that shuts down when vibration exceeds a preset limit follows a rule. A machine that reads vibrations, temperature, current and motor behavior; recognizes bearing wear signature; and adapting before failure occurs means doing something closer to judgment.

This distinction helps explain why physical AI has become one of the most closely watched areas in manufacturing technology. These systems do much more than analyze information. They interact with the world around them, adapting to changing conditions and responding to situations that cannot be fully predicted in advance.

The next phase of physical, embodied AI isn’t simply about producing better responses. It’s about predicting and producing useful actions in the presence of imperfect information, ADI said. To read the full whitepaper, Click here: THE Race to create artificial intelligence Physicist.

ADI will participate in RoboBusiness 2026

Sponsored by Analog Devices Inc. Founded in 1965, the Wilmington, Massachusetts-based company combines analog, digital, AI and software technologies to connect the physical and digital worlds and enable cutting-edge intelligent discoveries. ADI said its semiconductors help drive advances in automation and robotics, mobility, healthcare, energy and data centers.

ADI is also participating in the Robotics Startup Boot Camp Part 2 at RoboBusiness, where industry leaders will discuss the opportunities and challenges of working together. Register now to participate.