Google Gemini takes control of humanoid robots on car factory floors

Atlas can indeed dance and perform acrobatics, but, like other humanoids, he lacks the intelligence necessary to understand his environment, make complex decisions, and manipulate unfamiliar objects with his hands. That could start to change with the addition of an advanced AI model like Gemini, though it’s still unclear how robots will match the adaptability and precision of human manual dexterity.

“The real value going forward is for our robots to be aware of the context of their environment and be able to use their hands to manipulate anything,” Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, told WIRED ahead of today’s announcement. “We believe that manufacturing environments, such as in Hyundai factories, are the ideal place to deploy that today.”

For decades, Boston Dynamics has been a leader in the development of advanced robotics, including humanoid robots and four-legged systems that the military has tested as a means of transporting supplies across rough terrain. The company was sold to Google in 2013 and was bought by SoftBank in 2017. In 2021, Hyundai acquired a controlling stake.

In recent years, advances in motors, batteries, sensors and other components have made it easier for startups and other companies to compete in robotics. More than a dozen companies in the United States, incl Agility Robotics, Figure AI, Uptronic, 1Xand TeslaCurrently working on Android systems. Overseas, competition is becoming fiercer, with about 200 Chinese companies currently developing humanoid systems. According to CMRAChina Industry Association.

Many AI companies are turning their attention to robotics, believing that AI models need a deeper understanding of the physical world in order to achieve human intelligence. It is said that OpenAI Development of hominins. Tesla has shown off A human named Optimus. Many startups are too Work on models Designed to allow robots to quickly master various physical tasks. Some hope to deploy human-like robots as home assistants, despite current limitations.