Stanford researchers are studying how the COVID pandemic has affected robot deployment as part of a multi-year research program of AI-powered robot adoption. In general, companies have been adding "plug-and-play" systems such as automated guided vehicles rather than massive automation systems. Integration of the large robotic systems plus cost, leads to a productivity 'J-curve' where impacts can take many years. Instead, COVID is accelerating demand for "plug-and-play" automation that is smaller, simpler and easier to move around.