Countering Communist Cyborgs: China’s Dystopian AI Ambitions and the Robotics Race

Artificial intelligence is widely recognized as this century’s critical technology. The nation that leads in AI computational power, innovation, and diffusion will determine the primary application of the technology—either in defense of freedom and individual liberty or in service of autocracy and tyranny. 

As the United States and the Chinese Communist Party compete to dominate AI, robotics is also emerging as a field of critical strategic value. From automated manufacturing to self-driving cars to humanoid robots, embodied AI could unlock economic growth and alleviate demographic shortages. But it could also be used for military applications and political repression. US policymakers should take steps to blunt China’s advances and boost America’s competitiveness to lead the world in developing next-generation robotics.

Senior Fellow Michael Sobolik will host an event to introduce his new Hudson policy memo featuring recommendations for the Trump administration and Capitol Hill to help secure America’s innovation advantage.