What are Robotics? | Stanford HAI
Stanford
University
  • Stanford Home
  • Maps & Directions
  • Search Stanford
  • Emergency Info
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Trademarks
  • Non-Discrimination
  • Accessibility
© Stanford University.  Stanford, California 94305.
Skip to content
  • About

    • About
    • People
    • Get Involved with HAI
    • Support HAI
    • Subscribe to Email
  • Research

    • Research
    • Fellowship Programs
    • Grants
    • Student Affinity Groups
    • Centers & Labs
    • Research Publications
    • Research Partners
  • Education

    • Education
    • Executive and Professional Education
    • Government and Policymakers
    • K-12
    • Stanford Students
  • Policy

    • Policy
    • Policy Publications
    • Policymaker Education
    • Student Opportunities
  • AI Index

    • AI Index
    • AI Index Report
    • Global Vibrancy Tool
    • People
  • News
  • Events
  • Industry
  • Centers & Labs

What are Robotics?

Robotics is the field that combines engineering and computer science, and now often artificial intelligence, to design and build machines capable of performing physical tasks. When integrated with AI, robots can perceive their surroundings, make decisions, and adapt to new situations without explicit programming for every scenario, using techniques like computer vision, machine learning, and reinforcement learning. This combination of physical capability and intelligent decision-making enables robots to perform complex tasks in manufacturing, healthcare, exploration, and everyday life.

Navigate
  • About
  • Events
  • Careers
  • Search
Participate
  • Get Involved
  • Support HAI
  • Contact Us

Stay Up To Date

Get the latest news, advances in research, policy work, and education program updates from HAI in your inbox weekly.

Sign Up For Latest News


Robotics mentioned at Stanford HAI

Explore Similar Terms:

Spatial Intelligence | Computer Vision | Reinforcement Learning

See Full List of Terms & Definitions

BEHAVIOR Challenge Charts the Way Forward for Domestic Robotics
Andrew Myers
Sep 22
news

With a first-of-its-kind competition for roboticists everywhere, researchers at Stanford are hoping to push domestic robotics into a new age of autonomy and capability.

BEHAVIOR Challenge Charts the Way Forward for Domestic Robotics

Andrew Myers
Sep 22

With a first-of-its-kind competition for roboticists everywhere, researchers at Stanford are hoping to push domestic robotics into a new age of autonomy and capability.

Robotics
Machine Learning
news
Stanford HAI and Stanford Robotics Center Launch New Partnership
Patrick Hynes
Oct 29
announcement

Stanford HAI and Stanford Robotics Center Launch New Partnership

Patrick Hynes
Oct 29
Robotics
announcement
Building a Precise Assistive-Feeding Robot That Can Handle Any Meal
Katharine Miller
Apr 10
news

Stanford researchers improve the skewering, scooping, and bite transfer steps.

Building a Precise Assistive-Feeding Robot That Can Handle Any Meal

Katharine Miller
Apr 10

Stanford researchers improve the skewering, scooping, and bite transfer steps.

Computer Vision
Robotics
news
Three Trends in Stanford Robotics Research
Jessica Hong
Jun 06
news

In the latest industry brief, learn about how scholars are advancing more adaptive, assistive robotics and pushing forward autonomous technology.

Three Trends in Stanford Robotics Research

Jessica Hong
Jun 06

In the latest industry brief, learn about how scholars are advancing more adaptive, assistive robotics and pushing forward autonomous technology.

news
How Do You Build a Better Robot? By Understanding People.
Stanford Engineering Staff
Feb 11
news

Computer scientist Dorsa Sadigh discusses the growing field of human-robot interaction.

How Do You Build a Better Robot? By Understanding People.

Stanford Engineering Staff
Feb 11

Computer scientist Dorsa Sadigh discusses the growing field of human-robot interaction.

news
A Simulated Playground for Robots
Katharine Miller
Jun 11
news

Stanford’s iGibson offers safe and realistic training for intelligent agents.

A Simulated Playground for Robots

Katharine Miller
Jun 11

Stanford’s iGibson offers safe and realistic training for intelligent agents.

news
Robotics in a Human-Centered World: Innovations and Implications
conferenceApr 01, 20258:30 AM - 6:30 PM
April
01
2025

2025 Spring Conference

April
01
2025

Robotics in a Human-Centered World: Innovations and Implications

Apr 01, 20258:30 AM - 6:30 PM

2025 Spring Conference

Robotics

Enroll in a Human-Centered AI Course

This AI program covers technical fundamentals, business implications, and societal considerations.