IEEE Tech Futures 2026:Deep Dive Session on Embodied & Physical AI – Hybrid Event

Artificial Intelligence has rapidly evolved from generating text and images to enabling machines that can perceive, reason, and interact with the physical world. This new frontier, known as Physical AI, combines advances in foundation models, computer vision, robotics, autonomous systems, and edge computing to create intelligent systems capable of performing real-world tasks safely and autonomously.
From warehouse robots and autonomous vehicles to smart factories, energy infrastructure inspection, healthcare assistants, and collaborative industrial robots, Physical AI is transforming how industries operate and creating entirely new career opportunities. This Tech Futures event will introduce the foundations of Physical AI, showcase current industry applications, explore emerging research trends, and discuss the skills engineers and technology professionals need to thrive in this rapidly evolving field.
Agenda:
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Check-in & Robotics Lab Tour
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Welcome and Introduction to Tech Futures 2026
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Keynote: Physical AI – From Large Language Models to Intelligent Robots
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Industry Spotlight: Physical AI in Manufacturing, Energy, Healthcare & Logistics / Live Demonstration
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Panel Discussion: Are We Ready for the Era of Physical AI? Technology, Ethics, Workforce, and Career Opportunities
12:00 PM – 12:10 PM
Closing Remarks & Next Steps
12:10 PM – 12:30 PM
Open Networking Event & Robotics Demo
Bldg: EPIC, 8700 Phillips Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, 28223, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/567969