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Google introduces new AI models for rapidly growing robotics industry
In a significant advancement for the robotics industry, Google has unveiled two new artificial intelligence (AI) models—Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER—designed to enhance the capabilities of robots across various sectors. These models, based on the Gemini 2.0 architecture, aim to improve how robots perceive, interpret, and interact with their environments, marking a pivotal step in robotics and AI integration.
Gemini Robotics is an advanced vision-language-action model that enables robots to process visual inputs, comprehend language commands, and execute physical actions accordingly. This integration allows robots to perform tasks with a higher degree of autonomy and adaptability, reducing the need for extensive pre-programming. For instance, a robot equipped with Gemini Robotics can understand a verbal instruction to pick up a specific object from a cluttered space by identifying the item visually and executing the appropriate action.
Complementing this, Gemini Robotics-ER (Embodied Reasoning) enhances robots' spatial awareness and decision-making abilities. By incorporating advanced reasoning capabilities, this model enables robots to navigate complex environments, plan multi-step tasks, and adapt to unforeseen changes in real-time. Such capabilities are crucial for applications in dynamic settings like warehouses, hospitals, and homes, where robots must interact safely and efficiently with humans and other objects.
The introduction of these models comes at a time when the robotics industry is experiencing rapid growth, with increasing demand for automation solutions across various sectors. Google's latest AI innovations are poised to accelerate this trend by providing more versatile and intelligent robotic systems. Startups and established companies alike can leverage these models to reduce development costs and time-to-market, fostering innovation and competitiveness in the robotics field.
A notable application of Gemini Robotics is its integration with the bi-arm robotics platform ALOHA 2, demonstrating the model's adaptability for complex tasks. Additionally, companies like Apptronik are exploring the use of these AI models in their humanoid robots, such as the Apollo robot, to enhance functionality and efficiency. Apptronik's recent acquisition of $350 million in funding, partially from Google, underscores the industry's confidence in AI-driven robotics solutions.
Google's commitment to advancing robotics is further evidenced by its historical involvement in the field, including the acquisition of Boston Dynamics in 2013. Although Boston Dynamics was later sold to SoftBank Group Corp, Google's continued investment in AI models tailored for robotics signifies a strategic focus on integrating AI with physical systems.
In summary, Google's launch of Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER represents a significant milestone in the evolution of intelligent robotics. By enhancing robots' abilities to understand and interact with their environments through advanced AI, these models are set to drive innovation and efficiency across multiple industries, solidifying Google's position at the forefront of AI and robotics integration.
https://www.ft.com/content/f0b1dff8-8936-4e05-9e0f-b1bbbb40dc02