The Pat Kenny Show Will 2026 be the year of the robot?
Dec 24, 2025
Join Professor Luke O'Neill, a biochemistry expert from Trinity College Dublin, as he dives into the exciting world of robotics and AI. They explore the predictions that 2026 will mark a significant leap for robots in everyday life. O'Neill discusses advancements in battery technology and the capabilities of humanoid robots, alongside the global race in robotics innovation. The potential for robots in entertainment, including theme parks and immersive experiences, as well as their societal benefits, paints an optimistic picture for the future.
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2026 As A Robot Inflection Point
- 2026 is predicted as a possible 'personal computer' moment for robots, where they move from niche to common use.
- Advances in batteries, motors and control systems are the key enablers driving that shift.
Hardware Unlocks New Robot Abilities
- Improvements in lithium‑ion batteries and compact motor control have made sustained, agile robot movement feasible.
- These hardware advances enable feats like backflips and marathon running, which once seemed impractical.
Wheelchair Robot And Global Leadership
- Luke O'Neill recounts seeing a wheelchair-climbing robot and notes heavy innovation from China, the US and Japan.
- He highlights Japan's push to deploy robots in elder care, including an order for 100,000 care robots.