Editorial illustration for DeepMind Recruits Robotics Expert to Build Universal AI for Humanoid and Non-Humanoid Robots
DeepMind's Universal AI Strategy Targets Next-Gen Robotics
Google DeepMind hires ex-Boston Dynamics CTO to create Gemini AI for any robot
Google DeepMind is making a bold play in robotics by recruiting a heavyweight from Boston Dynamics. The company has hired Marc Raibert, the former chief technology officer known for pioneering advanced robotic systems, to help develop a more flexible AI platform.
Raibert's arrival signals DeepMind's serious ambitions in creating adaptable artificial intelligence for robotic applications. His expertise could be key to transforming Gemini, the company's multimodal AI system, into a universal robotic brain capable of operating across different machine designs.
The potential is significant. Gemini's ability to process multiple data types - text, images, audio, and video - positions it as a uniquely versatile platform for robotic intelligence. But translating that potential into real-world robotic performance requires deep technical insight.
So when Raibert talks about building an AI system that can work "almost out-of-the-box" across various robot configurations, it's more than just technical jargon. It's a glimpse into DeepMind's ambitious vision of creating truly adaptable machine intelligence.
"We want to build an AI system, a Gemini base, that can work almost out-of-the-box across any body configuration. Obviously humanoids, but non-humanoids too." Gemini's multimodal architecture allows it to process text, images, audio, and video, which could make it especially suited to guiding robots through complex environments. Deepmind's growing robotics portfolio Deepmind's robotics research stretches back years and includes foundational projects like RT-1 and RT-2--AI models designed to help robots learn from human demonstrations and generalize across tasks.
In September, the company introduced Gemini Robotics 1.5 and Gemini Robotics-ER 1.5, twin systems that pair AI control with real-world robotic hardware. As global interest in humanoid machines accelerates, Deepmind is ramping up efforts to connect its models more directly with robotic platforms. Hassabis predicts a major breakthrough in AI-driven robotics "in the next couple of years." The humanoid race heats up Deepmind isn't the only player chasing this goal.
DeepMind's latest robotics move signals a bold step toward universal AI control. The company's recruitment of a former Boston Dynamics CTO suggests serious intent to develop a flexible robotic intelligence platform.
Gemini's multimodal capabilities could be a game-changer for robotic systems. Its ability to process text, images, audio, and video might enable more adaptive and simple robot interactions across different environments.
The goal isn't just humanoid robots, but a truly versatile AI that works "almost out-of-the-box" for any robotic body configuration. This approach hints at a more generalized approach to robotic intelligence.
DeepMind isn't starting from scratch. Their existing robotics research, including projects like RT-1 and RT-2, provides a strong foundation for this ambitious initiative. The company seems focused on creating an AI that can smoothly translate between different sensory inputs and robotic movements.
Still, questions remain about how universal this system can truly be. But for now, DeepMind appears committed to pushing the boundaries of robotic AI in unusual ways.
Further Reading
- Google Deepmind's Gemini Robotics models will power Boston Dynamics' Atlas for industrial tasks - The Decoder
- Google DeepMind teams up with Boston Dynamics, now hiring big to build smarter humanoid robots - India Today
- Former Boston Dynamics CTO Joins DeepMind: Gemini Robotics Aims to Be the Android of the Robot World - AI Base News
- Google AI CEO Demis Hassabis announces partnership with Hyundai's robotics company Boston Dynamics with a hiring message - The Times of India
- Boston Dynamics, Google reunite on next-gen Atlas humanoid - The Robot Report
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Common Questions Answered
Who did DeepMind recruit to help develop their universal AI for robotics?
DeepMind hired Marc Raibert, the former chief technology officer from Boston Dynamics who is known for pioneering advanced robotic systems. Raibert's expertise is expected to be crucial in developing a more flexible AI platform for robotic applications.
What is DeepMind's goal for the Gemini AI system in robotics?
DeepMind aims to create a Gemini-based AI system that can work across different robot body configurations, including both humanoid and non-humanoid robots. The multimodal architecture of Gemini, which can process text, images, audio, and video, makes it particularly suited for guiding robots through complex environments.
How do DeepMind's previous robotics projects like RT-1 and RT-2 contribute to their current AI robotics strategy?
RT-1 and RT-2 were foundational AI models designed to help robots understand and interact with their environments. These previous projects have laid the groundwork for DeepMind's current ambition to develop a universal AI control system for robotic platforms.