Allison M. Okamura is the Richard W. Weiland Professor of Engineering at Stanford University in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, with a courtesy appointment in Computer Science. She is also a Science Fellow at the Hoover Institution and her work is featured in the new issue of the Stanford Emerging Technology Review. She received her BS degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and her PhD from Stanford. Her research interests include haptics, teleoperation, mixed reality, medical robotics, soft robotics, and rehabilitation. She spoke with Donna Obeid, senior research program manager for Hoover’s Technology Policy Accelerator.
Donna Obeid: Allison, congratulations on your recent trip to Washington, where you spoke with government leaders about the 2026 Stanford Emerging Technology Review. How did it feel to engage with policymakers, and were you surprised by their level of interest in robotics and emerging technologies?
Allison M. Okamura: My trip to DC was truly inspiring. I was impressed by how engaged policymakers and their staff were with the subject of robotics. It’s refreshing to see such enthusiasm for emerging technologies, especially given the rapid evolution of the field. They are eager to understand the implications of robotics, not only for manufacturing, but also in areas like health care and national security. I believe it’s essential for scientists and engineers to help demystify these technologies. Currently, there is a significant amount of hype surrounding robotics, often fueled by companies eager to promote their products. It is crucial to present a balanced view of the state of the field, especially from those on the ground who conduct robotics research and directly interface with the robotics industry.
Donna Obeid: The United States ranks behind several nations in manufacturing robot density. As a lead for the SETR robotics focus, what specific policy levers (such as tax incentives for domestic production or R&D grants) do you believe are most critical for the United States to secure its leadership in the “physical economy” against competitors like China?
Allison M. Okamura: If the United States aims to lead in the robotics field, we must implement policies that encourage both innovation and the application of robotics. For example, tax incentives for companies that invest in robotic technologies can promote domestic production and innovation. Additionally, we need R&D grants focused on developing more efficient manufacturing technologies. A critical challenge we face is the fear that robots will displace jobs. Policies related to education and upskilling/reskilling workers are vital since the nature of manufacturing jobs is evolving. Ultimately, we need to create an optimistic environment surrounding robotics and AI to ensure that we are not left behind in this rapidly developing field.
Donna Obeid: You’ve highlighted a massive shortage of training data for physical robot manipulation compared to the vast datasets available for digital AI. From a policy standpoint, what should the federal government do about this?
Allison M. Okamura: The government needs to play a role in creating a set of national robotics data repositories to accelerate the development of societally useful robots. One promising approach to enhancing the effectiveness of robots is through the collection of vast amounts of data to inform training and simulation. Unlike natural language processing, where a wealth of text data is available at the scale of the internet, robotics lacks comprehensive datasets for physical interactions. The federal government can play a vital role in supporting data collection initiatives, which could include creating national robotics data repositories accessible to researchers and companies. Establishing data-sharing agreements and investing in new methodologies for gathering physical interaction data will be incredibly beneficial. While collecting data is crucial, we also need to explore new algorithms and approaches that may not solely depend on extensive datasets. A diverse range of strategies will be essential in advancing robotic capabilities.
Donna Obeid: Considering the reliance on global supply chains for robotics, what are the primary choke points in the robotic supply chain that concern you the most, and how can policy mitigate these risks to ensure resilience?
Allison M. Okamura: I have significant concerns about our reliance on global supply chains, particularly regarding actuators and other essential components. In the United States, there is minimal domestic supply of the motors and parts necessary for robotics. A disruption in access, such as China restricting shipments, could pose substantial challenges. Policymakers should prioritize investing in regions where rare earth minerals and components are sourced to build an independent supply chain. Additionally, improving domestic manufacturing capabilities is essential, though this will take time. We must act cautiously to avoid becoming overly reliant on foreign suppliers—engaging in diplomacy and nurturing relationships with allied countries is crucial for maintaining access.
Donna Obeid: Let’s shift gears to something a bit more connected to your research on medical robotics. How are the aging population and health care challenges in the United States related to labor and immigration policy?
Allison M. Okamura: This is a multifaceted issue. There is a health care worker shortage in the United States, and if immigration is reduced, we may not be able to close this gap. This is a place where robotic technology could have an important societal impact. As we look to integrate assistive robotics into health care, we must consider cultural perceptions of technology in caregiving roles. Public opinion often favors human interactions over technological replacements. However, with health care worker shortages and an aging population, we must explore how technology can assist in caregiving while preserving dignity and fostering human connection. Outside of health care, if we reduce immigration, we could inadvertently increase our reliance on foreign-produced products, particularly the technologies needed for robotics.
Donna Obeid: Regulatory hurdles are said to sometimes impede innovation. What kind of regulatory frameworks do you think are necessary to ensure the safety of technologies like soft robotics and haptic surgical tools without stifling innovation?
Allison M. Okamura: Establishing appropriate regulations is critical, especially as we navigate the complexities of emerging technologies in health care. One effective approach already in practice is the use of a “black box” in many medical devices to record their actions, similar to aviation data recorders. This data can help us understand what went wrong in the event of an incident. However, we must also address privacy concerns regarding data usage. Policies should ensure that patients are informed when their data is being recorded and how it may be used, particularly for training autonomous systems. Balancing safety while promoting innovation means developing guidelines on data usage that do not stifle progress.
Donna Obeid: Finally, you mentioned the importance of international talent in robotics. How can the United States balance the need for homegrown talent development in robotics while still fostering beneficial international collaborations that enhance our understanding of global advancements in the field?
Allison M. Okamura: Developing homegrown talent is essential for the future of robotics in the United States. This requires enhancing our K–12 education system to spark interest in STEM fields and creating clear pathways for higher education in robotics and technical disciplines. However, we must also embrace international collaboration. There are some concerns that foreign students or researchers may steal US technology, yet restricting international exchanges could hinder our long-term growth. Engaging with global communities allows us to learn from one another and remain competitive. One potential solution is to create incentives that encourage international students to stay in the United States after completing their education, thereby enriching our workforce. As the landscape continues to evolve, proactive and balanced policies will play a crucial role in maintaining competitiveness, fostering innovation, and preparing society for the integration of robotics across various domains.
