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About this publication

This publication explores advances in computing and robotics focused on power-efficiency and bioinspiration. As we go into 2026, there is ever-increasing optimism about the rapidly-increasing capabilities of AI, but also concern about its monetary and energetic cost. As new AI-enabled robots proliferate and work among people, will they work predictably and safely?

Join me in cutting through the hype in AI and “physical AI” (which used to just be called “robotics”), and recognizing the real advances being made in research and industry. This publication is for technology optimists as well as realists, and recognizes the value of integrating knowledge and perspective from different fields.

Everything here is strictly the author’s personal opinion and does not represent the position of any companies, labs, or universities that may appear.

About the author

Hi, my name is Avik De.

I co-founded a successful robotics startup, Ghost Robotics, where I have made numerous advances in efficient design and algorithms. I also received a Ph.D. in legged robotics from UPenn, a post-doctoral degree in microrobotics from Harvard University, and have authored numerous academic publications and patents1. I have received awards for entrepreneurship2, academic reviewership3, research4, and given 30+ invited talks as a recognized expert on robotics.

I believe my work at the cutting edge of robotics research and industry for over a decade gives me a unique perspective on how people get things to work in the real world, and the (hidden) tradeoffs therein.

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