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The "Gold Rush" in AI and Robotics Patenting Activity. Do innovation systems have a role?

Author

Listed:
  • Giovanni Guidetti
  • Riccardo Leoncini
  • Mariele Macaluso

Abstract

This paper studies patenting trends in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics from 1980 to 2019. We introduce a novel distinction between traditional robotics and robotics embedding AI functionalities. Using patent data and a time-series econometric approach, we examine whether these domains share common long-run dynamics and how their trajectories differ across major innovation systems. Three main findings emerge. First, patenting activity in core AI, traditional robots, and AI-enhanced robots follows distinct trajectories, with AI-enhanced robotics accelerating sharply from the early 2010s. Second, structural breaks occur predominantly after 2010, indicating an acceleration in the technological dynamics associated with AI diffusion. Third, long-run relationships between AI and robotics vary systematically across countries: China exhibits strong integration between core AI and AI-enhanced robots, alongside a substantial contribution from universities and the public sector, whereas the United States displays a more market-oriented patenting structure and weaker integration between AI and robots. Europe, Japan, and South Korea show intermediate patterns.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanni Guidetti & Riccardo Leoncini & Mariele Macaluso, 2026. "The "Gold Rush" in AI and Robotics Patenting Activity. Do innovation systems have a role?," Papers 2603.05034, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2603.05034
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