AI is about to get a body. How can we be ready?

Singapore has the chance to become a key player in the robotics and related industries. In my lab at the National University of Singapore, we work on teaching machines to sense and interact with the physical world. We develop electronic skins that can differentiate between objects like a strawberry and a marble, sense touch faster than human nerves, and heal themselves when damaged. In the past, my research seemed like science fiction, but now, it attracts attention and interest from investors.

Recently, a single company in California, Figure AI, raised $1 billion for humanoid robots, which is more than a fifth of the $4.6 billion raised by all Singapore startups in 2025. China has also been active, publishing national standards for humanoid robots and aiming for 10,000 humanoids in commercial use by the end of the year.

Robots that can work alongside humans require more than just AI chips. They need advanced materials, sensors, joints, compact power sources, and intricate assembly to form a functional body. While large language models are expected to reshape office work within a decade, the creation of robots with human-like dexterity is still in the future. However, their impact on society and the economy could be far-reaching.

Singapore's economic strategy focuses on applying AI rather than building frontier models, which means we might become just the world's best customer. Instead, we should aim to be a designer-maker that cannot be avoided. Our nation faces significant challenges, but we can find a niche by focusing on technology and quality. The Netherlands, despite being small, secures its position by owning a crucial step in producing advanced chips, which no one else can bypass.

Singapore already contributes to the global chip industry, accounting for about a tenth of the world's production. The semiconductor manufacturing sector remains a significant part of our economy. The 2030 RIE plan includes an S$800 million investment to translate semiconductor research into products that will likely be used in robots and AI data centers. The investment will focus on chip packaging technologies and increasing the speed of optical links between chips.

To become a critical node in this emerging industry, we must develop deep-tech proprietary technologies with unique know-how and specialized equipment design. We need to protect our trade secrets to prevent competitors from copying our innovations. We must also anticipate that technology development will accelerate due to AI and be prepared to increase our investment quickly.

Our universities and education system can play a crucial role in this transformation. While we have been involved in R&D for over a decade, we need to strengthen our ecosystem by attracting and retaining high-quality talent. We must also provide mentorship and training to ensure our young professionals are well-equipped for the new AI economy. By creating a low-friction environment for deep-tech startups to launch from university research, we can encourage collaboration and the founding of startups.

Investments in deep-tech companies can lead to economic restructuring, creating high-value jobs and fostering innovation. By following this path, Singapore can play a pivotal role in the future of AI and advanced robotics, becoming a leader rather than just a customer in this rapidly evolving landscape.