Core Viewpoint - The article presents a clear framework for classifying the development of robotic technology into five levels, emphasizing that general intelligent robots will evolve gradually, similar to autonomous driving technology. The two key capabilities determining the level of robotic development are Agency and Dexterity, which together dictate the commercial value that robots can create [1][5]. Group 1: Evolution of Robotics - The framework outlines five evolutionary stages of the robotics industry, transitioning from simple automation tools to general intelligent agents capable of performing diverse tasks in complex environments [2][3]. - The report highlights that modern AI paradigms are transforming many limitations of robots into data challenges, enabling robots to acquire new skills and accelerate deployment in the labor market [5][11]. Group 2: Levels of Autonomy - Level 0 (Scripted Motion): Traditional industrial robots that rely entirely on pre-set programs, operating in highly structured environments without any autonomy [6][12]. - Level 1 (Intelligent Pick and Place): Robots gain basic computer vision capabilities to identify and grasp items from cluttered environments, primarily used in logistics since around 2015 [6][14]. - Level 2 (Autonomous Mobility): Robots achieve significant advancements in agency, allowing them to navigate and plan actions in open, dynamic environments [6][18]. - Level 3 (Low-Skill Manipulation): Robots combine mobility with advanced manipulation capabilities, enabling them to perform multi-step tasks with lower precision requirements [6][20]. - Level 4 (Force-Dependent Tasks): The ultimate form of robotic development, where robots can perform complex tasks requiring fine motor skills and tactile feedback, currently in research [6][24]. Group 3: Challenges and Considerations - Each level of autonomy is defined by its unlocking capabilities, with a focus on commercial viability rather than just technical feasibility. Reliability and performance are crucial for creating value through action [8][9]. - The challenges faced by Level 0 robots include high capital costs, inflexibility, and the need for constant human oversight, making automation a high-risk engineering project [37][39]. - Level 1 robots encounter difficulties in adapting to novel objects and environments, requiring significant data collection and integration efforts to achieve reliable performance [60][62]. Group 4: Market Implications - The transition to general robots is expected to lead to significant labor market changes, with a gradual increase in capabilities allowing for broader task execution [5][11]. - The potential for automation in low-skill, high-turnover jobs, such as those in warehouses, presents a compelling business case for AI-driven robots, especially in light of rising labor costs and employee turnover [65][66].