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In this episode of the AI AEC Show, I sat down with Cristina Andersson, a Finnish robotics pioneer whose journey from educator to EU-level robotics strategist is as fascinating as it is inspiring. From launching the EU Robotics Week in Finland to advising ministries on AI and robotics in healthcare, Cristina has a front-row seat to the robotics revolution.

Our conversation dove into the current state and future of robotics, especially as service robots become more intelligent and ubiquitous. Cristina highlighted how robots could free up medical professionals from mundane tasks, like hauling laundry or managing logistics, allowing them to focus on patient care.

We also touched on the construction sector’s cautious but growing adoption of robotics. Cristina envisions robots monitoring job sites, sorting demolition waste, and helping workers as exoskeletons to reduce physical strain. It starts with fantasy, she said, then fact-finding and ROI calculations. But it always begins with imagination.

One of the most striking takeaways was Cristina’s belief that robots could one day help the elderly live independently longer; not by doing everything for them, but by acting as motivational companions.

Cristina reminded us that robotics is not about replacing humans but empowering them. As AI becomes the brain behind increasingly human-like machines, it's time we reimagine not only how we build but also who we build with.

Connect with Cristina on LinkedIn and visit her homepage at cristinaandersson.com.