Historically, the evolution of research in the areas of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) has always been related, although with different intensity along the years. The concept of AI was originally developed around the basic idea of an artificial mind, mainly capable of formal, logic analysis of structured knowledge, and designed to be embedded in computational systems. This approach has been extensively applied to the development of robot control and supervision systems. Since the ‘90s perception and, progressively, embodiment become the central focus of an increasing portion of robotics research, and the basis for the development of machines capable of synthetizing and adapting their behavior in real-time to their working environment. Nowadays, eventually, the artificial mind and the artificial body are being considered of equal importance when dealing with the problem of developing human-like intelligent systems. But the way to go to develop human-like cognitive and sensorimotor capabilities, in spite of some recent movements which forecast ‘singularity' (i.e. overcoming of artificial Vs human intelligence) and trans-humanism as achievable in the coming decades, is still very long and it will require the effort of generations of researchers active in a variety of disciplines. New co-operation to foster convergence of AI and robotics is needed to ensure that AI & robotic systems are not only robust and beneficial, but also dependable and resilient, doing what humans want them to do, with pleasure of interaction and no risks for the end-users.

The lecture will briefly review this historical evolution of robotics research and present future perspectives through the analysis of some case studies on recent and ongoing projects, mainly related to the domains of biorobotics and of bionic systems for rehabilitation, prosthetics and personal assistance for independent living.