AI is the big thing in the tech world right now, but are the robots really taking over and should we be concerned?

From robots in warehouses and robotaxis to “brain-like” chips, it’s been a big week for fans of all things robotics and AI.

I was stoked to join Rae Johnston for another instalment of Download This Show to break down what this all means and whether or not the robots are ready to take over.

Yes, Melbourne is set to receive a shipment of warehousing robots, San Fransico is soon to have 24/7 robotaxis diving through its streets, and IBM has just released a prototype “brain-like” chip.

Don’t ask me about all the technical ins and outs of IBM’s new “memristors”. On a very basic level, these new chips use components called memristors (memory resistors) that are analogue and can store a range of numbers. Being analogue, these memristors work similarly to the synapses in our brains.

The new chips are able to do things faster and remember things, and in that remembering uses less energy. According to IBM, this new prototype might lead to more efficient and less battery-draining AI chips for smartphones.

If you’re concerned about Amazon’s new warehousing robots coming for human jobs, that’s really not the case. Destined for an Amazon fulfilment centre, these robots are meant to help humans do their jobs more efficiently and safely.

If you haven’t had a chance already, have a listen to Download This Show here…