Google Gemini Is Taking Control of Humanoid Robots on Auto Factory Floors
Google DeepMind is collaborating with Boston Dynamics to equip humanoid robots with the advanced intelligence necessary to navigate unfamiliar surroundings and handle objects—a key step toward enabling these machines to perform manual labor. This partnership, unveiled at CES in Las Vegas, involves integrating Google’s Gemini Robotics model into several Boston Dynamics robots, including the humanoid Atlas and the robot dog Spot. The companies plan to pilot Gemini-enabled Atlas robots in Hyundai’s automotive factories, which is Boston Dynamics’ parent company, in the near future. This initiative offers a glimpse into a potential future where humanoid robots rapidly acquire a broad spectrum of skills.
While Atlas is already capable of dancing and acrobatics, it currently lacks the cognitive prowess to comprehend its environment, make intricate decisions, and expertly manipulate novel objects. The incorporation of an advanced AI system like Gemini promises to enhance these capabilities, although it remains uncertain how soon robots will replicate the nuanced dexterity and adaptability inherent to human hands. Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, emphasizes the importance of robots being contextually aware and able to manipulate a variety of objects, noting manufacturing settings like Hyundai’s as particularly suitable for deploying such technology at this stage.
Boston Dynamics has been at the forefront of developing sophisticated robots for decades, including humanoid and quadrupedal models tested by military forces for navigating challenging terrains. The company experienced several ownership changes, beginning with Google in 2013, followed by SoftBank in 2017, and then a controlling stake acquisition by Hyundai in 2021. Advances in components such as motors, batteries, and sensors have lowered barriers for new entrants, resulting in a competitive robotics sector with numerous firms in the United States and globally, particularly in China, pursuing humanoid robot development.
Increasingly, AI companies are focusing on robotics, convinced that achieving humanlike intelligence necessitates a refined understanding of the physical world. Both OpenAI and Tesla, among others, are reportedly working on humanoid robots, with startups aiming to create systems capable of quickly mastering diverse physical tasks. Some envision deploying anthropomorphic robots as household assistants, despite current technological constraints. Notably, Google DeepMind recently hired Boston Dynamics’ former CTO, and its CEO, Demis Hassabis, foresees Gemini serving as a core AI operating system for various robot manufacturers, akin to how Android powers numerous smartphones.
Although the optimal approach to endowing machines with physical intelligence equivalent to humans remains unknown, integrating AI with industrial robotics could significantly enhance their functionality. Equally, data gathered by Boston Dynamics’ robots will contribute to improving Gemini’s real-world operational capabilities, according to Playter. Carolina Parada, senior director of robotics at Google DeepMind, highlights Gemini’s multimodal design as ideal for perceiving and learning from the physical environment. She describes their mission as developing advanced AI to underpin versatile robots, starting with automotive uses but intending to broaden applications extensively.
The deployment of AI-controlled physical systems also raises safety concerns. Parada explains that beyond existing safety mechanisms native to Boston Dynamics’ robots, Gemini will apply a form of artificial reasoning to anticipate and avert potentially hazardous actions. Playter underscores that assuring human safety will be a critical factor for widespread adoption of humanoid robots, candidly acknowledging the risks even smaller machines can pose. Ensuring reliable safety is thus paramount as these technologies advance.
