Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Google DeepMind Launches Gemini Robotics 2: A Comprehensive Robot with Advanced Capabilities
On August 2, Google DeepMind introduced Gemini Robotics 2, the latest version of its visual-language-action model. This new model enhances full-body control, advanced dexterity, and multi-robot collaboration, marking a significant advancement from its predecessor, which only managed upper-body tasks. Gemini Robotics 2 allows the Apptronik Apollo 2 humanoid robot to autonomously execute complex tasks, such as placing a watering can into a designated bucket, requiring coordinated decision-making and balance. While there is room for improvement in movement speed, this development represents a crucial step towards handling more intricate real-world tasks. The model also introduces multi-robot collaboration, enabling different robots to communicate and work together on complex workflows. With the ASIMOV-Agentic benchmark, Gemini Robotics 2 excels in safety compliance and human proximity detection, ensuring safe operation. The Gemini Robotics On-Device 2 is designed for applications requiring offline functionality, adapting to new robotic forms with minimal data and time.
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Google DeepMind Introduces Gemini Robotics 2 for Enhanced Humanoid Control
Google DeepMind recently launched Gemini Robotics 2, an advanced version of its vision-language-action model. This iteration features intelligent whole-body control, enabling robots to perform complex tasks such as walking, crouching, and object manipulation. The model can adapt to new robotic bodies quickly, enhancing its versatility. The significance of Gemini Robotics 2 lies in its ability to expand physical AI capabilities, allowing robots to execute intricate movements and collaborate with other robots. This development is crucial for achieving the finesse required for real-world applications, such as household chores and workplace tasks. Looking ahead, the focus will be on further improving movement speed and dexterity. Gemini Robotics 2 represents a pivotal advancement in robotics, as it can control sophisticated end effectors like the SharpaWave hand, enabling delicate actions. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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Introducing Google DeepMind's Gemini Robotics 2: A Leap in Robot Adaptability
Google DeepMind has unveiled Gemini Robotics 2, marking a significant advancement in robotics. This new intelligence layer enables robots to achieve whole-body control, enhanced dexterity, and collaborative capabilities among multiple robots. The introduction of Gemini Robotics 2 is crucial as it represents a step towards creating truly adaptable robots that can perform complex tasks in dynamic environments. This technology could revolutionize various applications, from industrial automation to personal assistance. Looking ahead, the development of Gemini Robotics 2 will be closely monitored as it progresses. The potential for multi-robot collaboration and advanced dexterity opens up new possibilities in robotics, making it a key area of interest for future innovations.
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Google DeepMind Unveils Gemini Robotics 2 AI Model for Humanoid Robots
On July 30, 2026, Google DeepMind announced the latest AI model for humanoid robots, Gemini Robotics 2. This model advances from upper-body control to full-body control, enabling walking, bending, and advanced dexterity, as well as collaborative tasks among multiple robots. Gemini Robotics 2 translates visual and language inputs into motion control, supporting full-body and dual-arm robot operations. It features enhanced physical reasoning capabilities with Gemini Robotics ER 2, which manages human communication and multi-step task planning, and Gemini Robotics On-Device 2, which adapts quickly to new robots with minimal data. The model demonstrated its capabilities using Apptronik's humanoid robot Apollo 2, performing tasks such as walking to a table, lifting objects, and accurately storing them. With a 22-degree-of-freedom hand, it can execute delicate tasks like tying knots. The introduction of the ASIMOV-Agentic benchmark emphasizes safety, allowing the robot to detect human presence and stop safely, marking it as the safest model to date.
Google DeepMind Launches Gemini Robotics 2 for Enhanced Autonomy in Humanoid Robots
Google DeepMind has introduced Gemini Robotics 2, a suite of AI models aimed at enhancing the autonomy of humanoid and other robots through advanced whole-body control and dexterity. This system is currently showcased on Apptronik's Apollo 2 humanoid robot, which can execute full-body autonomous movements such as walking and manipulating objects while reasoning through complex tasks in real time. The significance of this development lies in its ability to enable robots to move beyond pre-programmed tasks, adapting to dynamic environments. Gemini Robotics 2 serves as an 'intelligence layer' for robots, facilitating coordination from 'feet to fingertips' and improving dexterity with tasks like tying trash bags or unscrewing light bulbs. This advancement builds on the collaboration between Google DeepMind and Apptronik, which recently launched Robot Park to gather data for training future AI models. Looking ahead, the introduction of multi-robot collaboration capabilities allows different robot types to work together on complex workflows. Gemini Robotics On-Device 2 is designed for industrial settings with limited cloud connectivity, enabling rapid adaptation to new hardware. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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Google DeepMind Unveils Gemini Robotics 2 for Full-Body Control of Humanoid Robots
Google DeepMind has announced the launch of Gemini Robotics 2, an advanced AI model capable of controlling humanoid robots from 'feet to fingertips.' This new version enhances the robot's ability to perform a variety of actions, including walking, crouching, and manipulating objects, significantly expanding its functional capabilities. The importance of this development lies in its potential to enable humanoid robots to undertake more complex, real-world tasks that require whole-body coordination. With improved dexterity, Gemini Robotics 2 allows robots to perform intricate tasks such as sealing bags and unscrewing lightbulbs, marking a significant advancement in robotic manipulation. Looking ahead, Google DeepMind is also enhancing its Gemini Robotics ER model, which aids robots in analyzing their environment and executing multi-step tasks. This update aims to improve collaboration among different types of robots, enhancing safety features and operational efficiency. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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Microagi Partners with Google Cloud to Advance AI Robotics Development
Microagi, a Munich-based AI startup, has announced a collaboration with Google Cloud to enhance the development of robotics that can understand and interact with physical environments. This partnership will leverage Google Cloud's AI infrastructure alongside the NVIDIA Blackwell platform to process extensive physical datasets and train specialized 'embodied AI' models. This collaboration is significant as it aims to accelerate the capabilities of robotics in real-world applications, enabling them to better navigate and respond to their surroundings. By utilizing advanced AI technologies, Microagi seeks to push the boundaries of what embodied AI can achieve in various sectors. Looking ahead, it will be important to monitor the progress of Microagi's model training efforts and the practical applications of their robotics solutions. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Actuate 26 Robotics Developer Conference Reveals Speaker Lineup with Industry Leaders
Foxglove has announced the speaker lineup for Actuate 26, its annual robotics developer conference, featuring leaders from Wayve, Aurora, Physical Intelligence, and more. The event will take place on August 18-19, 2026, at Fort Mason in San Francisco, showcasing technical talks, keynotes, and hands-on programming. This conference is significant as it aims to gather over 1,000 attendees from various sectors deploying robots, including autonomous vehicles, drones, and industrial automation. The participation of industry leaders highlights the growing interest and advancements in robotics and AI technologies. As the event approaches, attendees should look forward to insights from top experts in the field and opportunities for networking and collaboration. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Reimagine Robotics Emerges with AI Robots That Learn from Human Workers
Reimagine Robotics, an AI robotics startup founded by former leaders of Google DeepMind’s Applied Robotics team, has launched its innovative technology that enables robots to learn from human workers on the job. This approach allows employees to train robots directly by demonstrating tasks, correcting mistakes in real-time, and facilitating a more intuitive learning process. The significance of this development lies in its potential to transform industrial and manufacturing environments. According to co-founder and CEO Jonathan Scholz, the technology addresses the need for adaptable robots that can integrate seamlessly into existing workflows without requiring specialized programming for every task change. This capability is expected to enhance efficiency and reliability in various applications. Looking ahead, Reimagine Robotics plans to expand its operations through a new round of fundraising and team growth. The company is already deploying its robots in advanced manufacturing and electronics disassembly facilities, with successful implementations in tasks such as tending 3D printers and automating additional production stages. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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Google Unveils Gemini Robotics 2 for Advanced Humanoid Robot Control and Reasoning
Google has launched Gemini Robotics 2, a sophisticated robotics model that enables humanoid robots to perform full-body movements and complex tasks. This system allows for coordination among multiple robots and adapts to various robot designs with minimal training. The new capabilities extend beyond simple manipulation to include walking, bending, and balancing. The significance of Gemini Robotics 2 lies in its ability to facilitate multi-step reasoning and adaptability in unfamiliar environments, setting it apart from traditional robots. This model can control both humanoid robots and dual-arm systems, enhancing their functionality for household and industrial applications. Demonstrations showcased its ability to manage tasks such as picking up objects and performing intricate actions with dexterous robotic hands. Looking ahead, Google is also releasing Gemini Robotics ER 2 for high-level reasoning and Gemini Robotics On-Device 2 for local operation without cloud reliance. The introduction of multi-robot collaboration capabilities allows different robots to work together efficiently, marking a notable advancement in robotic technology. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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Google DeepMind Launches Gemini AI to Enhance Robot Dexterity and Coordination
Google DeepMind has introduced a new AI model named Gemini, designed to improve the dexterity of humanoid robots. This advancement enables robots to coordinate movements throughout their bodies, enhancing their ability to perform complex tasks. The introduction of Gemini AI is significant as it represents a step forward in enabling robots to reason, plan multi-step tasks, and adapt to human environments. This capability is crucial for the integration of robots into everyday settings, where they must interact seamlessly with humans and their surroundings. Looking ahead, the focus will be on how Gemini AI can be further developed and implemented in various robotic applications. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
NVIDIA and DeepMind Lead Robotics Simulation Debate with New Industrial Applications
The field of embodied intelligence is witnessing a fierce debate over the best approach to training robots for industrial applications. One faction advocates for simulation-based training, leveraging structured environments to generate synthetic data, while the opposing view emphasizes the necessity of real-world data to handle complex physical interactions and unpredictable scenarios. Key players include NVIDIA, DeepMind, and Intrinsic, each with unique strategies and technologies. NVIDIA's Omniverse platform and Isaac Sim engine exemplify the simulation approach, enabling comprehensive digital twins of factories for training and optimization. Their collaboration with BMW on a digital twin project in Hungary showcases the potential of synthetic data in logistics and robotic movements. However, challenges remain in achieving the necessary fidelity for force control and physical interactions, prompting NVIDIA to seek partnerships with companies like Hexagon Robotics. Conversely, DeepMind's use of the MuJoCo physics engine has demonstrated that pure simulation can achieve industrial-grade precision in specific tasks, such as sorting with known rigid models. Yet, this method's effectiveness is limited to scenarios with minimal contact and force control. Intrinsic aims to transform simulation into a comprehensive development tool for industrial robots, focusing on lowering barriers for small manufacturers. The ongoing challenge of the SIM2REAL gap remains a critical factor in the success of these approaches.
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Google DeepMind Unveils Gemini Robotics-ER 1.6: A Leap in Spatial Reasoning and Industrial Utility
DeepMind has unveiled its latest and most sophisticated embodied reasoning model, which incorporates a cutting-edge "agentic vision" system designed specifically for industrial inspections. This new technology aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of multi-view success detection in various industrial applications. The launch, which took place recently, marks a significant advancement in artificial intelligence capabilities, reflecting DeepMind's commitment to enhancing operational processes across industries. By leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, the model is expected to streamline inspection workflows and reduce the likelihood of errors, ultimately driving productivity and safety in industrial environments.
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Google DeepMind and Agile Robotics Combine Robotics Platforms
Google DeepMind has announced a new partnership aimed at enhancing its artificial intelligence models and advancing the field of industrial robotics. The collaboration will center on gathering data from real-world robotic operations, which is expected to provide valuable insights for improving the performance and capabilities of robotic systems. This initiative comes as part of DeepMind's ongoing efforts to leverage practical applications of AI technology in various sectors. The partnership is set to play a crucial role in driving innovation and efficiency within the robotics industry, ultimately contributing to the development of more sophisticated and effective robotic solutions.
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Cartwheel Robotics Founder Scott LaValley Joins Google DeepMind
After the closure of his startup, a former Disney Imagineer and veteran of Boston Dynamics has partnered with Aaron Saunders to promote advancements in Physical AI. This collaboration aims to leverage their combined expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence to develop innovative solutions that enhance physical interactions between humans and machines. The initiative reflects a growing interest in the integration of AI into everyday physical tasks, driven by the increasing demand for automation and intelligent systems. The partnership is set to explore new frontiers in technology, potentially transforming industries that rely on physical labor and interaction.
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Google DeepMind Robotics Director: We Need "One More Big Breakthrough" to Solve General Purpose Robots
DeepMind's robotics lab recently provided an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into its innovative work, highlighting the development of advanced "thinking" robots capable of long-term planning. This showcase aimed to illustrate the potential of these technologies in real-world applications. However, lab leadership acknowledged that achieving data efficiency is a significant challenge that must be overcome before these robots can be deployed effectively outside of controlled environments. The insights were shared as part of an ongoing effort to advance robotics and artificial intelligence, with the team emphasizing the importance of refining their systems to ensure practical usability in everyday scenarios.
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Google DeepMind Robotics Head Details 'Surprising' Cross-Embodiment AI, Calls Home 'The Hardest Environment'
In a recent interview, Carolina Parada from Google DeepMind highlighted the innovative features of Gemini Robotics 1.5, particularly its unique 'agentic' two-part brain. Parada emphasized the robot's impressive capability to transfer skills across different robotic platforms, showcasing a significant advancement in robotics technology. She also expressed her belief that the home environment represents one of the final frontiers for the application of such technology, suggesting a future where robots could play an integral role in daily household tasks. This discussion sheds light on the ongoing developments in robotics and the potential for transformative impacts in personal living spaces.
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Google DeepMind Unveils On-Device Gemini Robotics, Pushing AI Closer to Autonomous Dexterity
Google DeepMind has introduced Gemini Robotics On-Device, a cutting-edge vision-language-action model that operates directly on robotic hardware. This innovative technology is designed to enhance the performance of autonomous robots by minimizing latency and increasing robustness across diverse environments. By enabling advanced dexterous manipulation, Gemini Robotics On-Device aims to equip a new generation of robots with the ability to quickly adapt to various tasks. The launch marks a significant step forward in the development of more efficient and capable robotic systems, reflecting DeepMind's commitment to pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence in practical applications.
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Apptronik launches Robot Park to train Apollo humanoid robots with Google DeepMind
AI-powered robotics company Apptronik has announced the opening of the newly expanded Robot Park, its flagship data collection and training facility for humanoid robots in Austin, Texas. The facility in Austin anchors a growing global network of Robot Parks at customer and partner sites around the world, and the company plans to open new Robot […]
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NVIDIA Accelerates Google DeepMind’s DiffusionGemma for Local AI
Google DeepMind has unveiled DiffusionGemma, an experimental open model designed for rapid text generation. This innovative model is optimized by NVIDIA to achieve enhanced performance on NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs and the NVIDIA RTX PRO platform. The release, which took place today, aims to push the boundaries of text generation technology, providing users with a tool that can produce content at unprecedented speeds. By leveraging advanced GPU capabilities, DiffusionGemma seeks to meet the growing demand for efficient and high-quality text generation solutions in various applications.
Fanuc, Google advance industrial robotics as part of recent AI deals
Kawasaki has launched a new center in Silicon Valley aimed at enhancing collaboration in physical artificial intelligence between the United States and Japan. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to fostering innovation and technological partnerships across borders. Meanwhile, Stellantis is set to collaborate with Accenture and Nvidia to develop digital twin technology, which will enable the creation of virtual replicas of physical assets for improved operational efficiency and decision-making. Both developments highlight the growing emphasis on advanced technology and international cooperation in the automotive and AI sectors.
Google joins Japanese robotics giant to power next-gen autonomous factory robots
Google has partnered with FANUC America Corporation, a leading Japanese robotics company, to enhance the development of Physical AI technology. This collaboration aims to integrate advanced artificial intelligence into robotics, enabling machines to better understand and interact with the physical world. The announcement was made recently, signaling a significant step forward in the field of robotics and AI. By combining Google’s expertise in AI and machine learning with FANUC's extensive experience in automation and robotics, the two companies seek to create more intelligent and adaptable robotic systems. This initiative is driven by the growing demand for automation in various industries, as businesses look to improve efficiency and productivity through innovative technologies. The partnership is expected to leverage cutting-edge research and development, paving the way for breakthroughs in how robots operate and collaborate with humans in diverse environments.
Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind Teach Spot to Reason
Boston Dynamics has announced that its quadruped robot, Spot, is now equipped with Google DeepMind’s Gemini Robotics-ER 1.6, a high-level embodied reasoning model designed to enhance the robot's usability and intelligence for complex tasks. This development, revealed today, marks a significant advancement in the commercial deployment of legged robots, particularly in industrial inspections, where Spot will autonomously identify hazardous debris, read gauges, and utilize vision-language-action models for better environmental understanding. The collaboration aims to improve how robots interpret and interact with their surroundings, addressing the challenges of ensuring that robotic actions align with human reasoning. Marco da Silva, vice president of Spot at Boston Dynamics, emphasized that the new capabilities will allow Spot to autonomously navigate real-world challenges more effectively. Despite the progress, experts acknowledge ongoing challenges in achieving seamless human-robot interaction. Carolina Parada from Google DeepMind noted that while the Gemini model enhances visual recognition, it currently lacks integration with other sensory data, such as touch, which is crucial for reliable object manipulation. As part of the deployment, customers using Spot for inspections will need to share operational data with Boston Dynamics to further refine the technology. The introduction of Gemini Robotics-ER 1.6 is seen as a step toward creating safer and more reliable robots capable of performing everyday tasks, with the potential to apply these advancements to other robotic platforms in the future.
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Agile Robots and Google DeepMind Partner to Bring Gemini to the Factory Floor
Agile Robots, based in Munich, has entered into a strategic research partnership with Google DeepMind to enhance industrial robotics. This collaboration seeks to integrate Gemini Robotics foundation models with advanced industrial hardware, addressing the prevalent issue of data bottlenecks in the field. By leveraging a scalable AI flywheel, the partnership aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of robotic systems in various industries. The initiative highlights the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and robotics, as both companies work together to push the boundaries of technology and innovation.
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Google DeepMind Opens the Portal: Project Genie and the Quest for the "Infinite Training Loop"
Google DeepMind has introduced Project Genie, an innovative experimental tool that utilizes the Genie 3 world model to generate interactive 3D environments from textual descriptions and images. Launched recently, this project aims to address the challenges of data limitations in robotics, which is a critical step towards achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI). By moving beyond traditional gaming applications, Project Genie represents a significant advancement in DeepMind's overarching strategy to enhance the capabilities of AI in real-world scenarios. The initiative underscores the company's commitment to pioneering technologies that can bridge the gap between virtual and physical environments, ultimately paving the way for more sophisticated robotic systems.
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DeepMind Hires Former Boston Dynamics CTO to Build the ‘Android of Robotics’
Google DeepMind has announced the appointment of Aaron Saunders as Vice President of Hardware Engineering, a significant move aimed at advancing its Gemini project into a comprehensive operating system for physical artificial intelligence. Saunders, who brings over 23 years of experience from Boston Dynamics, is expected to leverage his expertise to enhance the integration of hardware and AI technologies. This strategic decision underscores DeepMind's commitment to expanding its capabilities in the rapidly evolving field of AI, particularly in creating systems that can interact seamlessly with the physical world. The announcement comes as the company seeks to solidify its position at the forefront of AI innovation.
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DeepMind, Tesla Vets Emerge From Stealth With ''Sunday Robotics,'' Backed by Conviction
Sunday Robotics, a startup based in Mountain View, is set to unveil its highly anticipated product on November 19. Founded by Tony Zhao, a former engineer at DeepMind and Tesla, the company has been operating in stealth mode for the past 1.5 years. Backed by the venture capital firm Conviction, Sunday Robotics aims to make a significant impact in the tech industry, drawing comparisons to the groundbreaking launch of the iPhone. The upcoming reveal has generated considerable excitement, as the startup prepares to showcase its innovative technology to the public.
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Google DeepMind Gives Robots a 'Thinking' Brain with Agentic Gemini 1.5 Models
Google DeepMind has introduced Gemini Robotics 1.5, an advanced AI framework aimed at enhancing the capabilities of robots. This new system allows robots to evolve from merely following commands to becoming 'physical agents' capable of reasoning, planning, and acquiring skills across various hardware platforms, including Apptronik's Apollo humanoid robot. The announcement marks a significant step in the development of intelligent robotics, reflecting the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence. By enabling robots to learn and adapt, DeepMind seeks to revolutionize the way machines interact with their environments and perform complex tasks. The unveiling of this framework comes as part of a broader trend in the tech industry to create more autonomous and versatile robotic systems.
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