Alphabet Reignites Robotics Revolution with DeepMind's Dual Gemini Models
1min read Alphabet's AI division, DeepMind, has unveiled two innovative models designed to enhance robotics, a strategic move highlighting Alphabet's ambitions to challenge industry giants like meta and OpenAI. These models, Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER, are developed to aid in training robots to navigate unfamiliar environments — a longstanding challenge in robotics.
Gemini Robotics is set to improve the dexterity and interactive capabilities of robots, while the robotics-ER variant focuses on spatial reasoning. This dual approach aims to facilitate the creation of more general-purpose robots, capable of executing a wide range of tasks. DeepMind engineer Kanishka Rao emphasized the necessity for robots to handle the chaotic and dynamic nature of the real world. He expressed optimism towards achieving this through the new models.
The dream of Silicon Valley is to create robots that can perform human-like tasks, an aspiration now regaining traction and investment. Companies such as Meta, tesla, and OpenAI are actively investing in robotics, echoing this ambition. This renewed vigor is also attracting startups and venture capital with high valuations.
In a pre-recorded demo, Google's researchers showcased robots using their models to complete tasks like spelling words and performing a dunk in a toy basketball setup. This demonstration symbolized a significant milestone for the tech as the robots, without prior exposure to these tasks, learned through Gemini's capabilities.
Alphabet's journey in robotics has been complex. Over a decade ago, they acquired multiple robotics firms with the objective of developing consumer-facing robots. However, in 2021, alphabet dissolved its robotics division created in 2021 to focus on everyday tasks. This closure did not mark the end of their robotics efforts, as some technology and personnel were integrated into ongoing projects, fueling a resurgent focus via general artificial intelligence.
During the launch, Google emphasized that this initiative is in its preliminary exploratory phase. Future collaborations are anticipated with field leaders, including efforts with Apptronik on humanoid robots and tests of the Gemini Robotics-ER model by Agile Robots and Boston Dynamics. This venture marks Alphabet's commitment to once again pursue ambitions in cutting-edge robotics through AI advancements.
