Google introduces new AI models for rapidly growing robotics industry
Alphabet's Google launched two new AI models tailored for robotics applications on Wednesday based on its Gemini 2.0 model, as it looks to cater to the rapidly growing robotics industry. The robotics field has made significant advancements in AI and improving models, speeding up the commercialization of robots mainly in industrial settings, according to industry experts.
Google's launch comes shortly after robotics startup Figure AI ended its collaboration agreement with OpenAI, following an internal AI breakthrough for robots. The first model, Gemini Robotics, is an advanced vision-language-action model that will incorporate physical actions as an output. The second model, Gemini Robotics-ER, enables a robot to have a comprehensive understanding of its surrounding space and allows developers to run their programs using the reasoning abilities provided by Gemini 2.0.
Benefits of Google's AI Models
Google mentioned that these models are designed for robots of all form factors, including humanoids and other types used in various industries like factories and warehouses. By utilizing AI models specifically tailored for robotics from companies like Google and OpenAI, startups can reduce development costs and accelerate the time to market for their products.
Google tested the Gemini Robotics model on data from its bi-arm robotics platform, ALOHA 2, which can be customized for complex use cases such as Apptronik's Apollo robot. Apptronik recently secured a $350 million funding round led by B Capital and Capital Factory, with Google participating to scale the production of AI-powered humanoid robots.
Google's Evolution in Robotics
In 2013, Google acquired robotics pioneer Boston Dynamics, known for its dog-like and humanoid robots, before selling the company to SoftBank Group Corp approximately four years later. This move demonstrates Google's commitment to advancing robotics technology and its applications.
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