Google DeepMind Releases Gemini 2 Humanoid Model

Google DeepMind has released Gemini Robotics 2, the latest version of its vision-language-action model embodied in a humanoid robot.In a blog post, the vendor said the launch is a significant step toward “physical AGI” (artificial general intelligence) -- AI that can interact with and operate in the real world through physical systems such as robots, enabling robots, in essence, to perform any physical task a human could do.By combining multiple AI models, the system enables what DeepMind calls “intelligent whole-body control,” giving robots the ability to perceive their surroundings, reason through multi-step tasks, and coordinate movement across their entire bodies.Robots integrated with the system can also collaborate with other robots.DeepMind's robotics lead, Carolina Parada, has described the tech’s long-term ambition as enabling "a robot to perform any task a human can."Video demonstrations released last week show Apptronik’s Apollo 2 robot and robotic hands from Sharpa autonomously completing household and industrial tasks such as tying trash bags or screwing in lightbulbs, after being trained using a combination of teleoperation, video demonstrations and simulation.Related:Chinese Startups Dominate Humanoid Robotics Patent RankingsPaul Miller, an analyst at Forrester, said the launch builds on Google's earlier robotics work by improving collaboration between robots, helping machines recover from failed actions and giving the model a better understanding of an entire robot rather than focusing only on individual components such as an arm or gripper.Yet such a significant leap to bridge the gap between the robotic brain and body comes with its own risks.“Robots are physical machines,” he said. “They may be strong, and they may be heavy. People working with these machines, and people encountering them out in the world, need to be confident that these machines are safe.”He pointed to challenges, including ensuring robots fail safely if sensors or power systems malfunction, arguing that widespread deployment alongside humans will depend on demonstrating robust safety safeguards.“Before robots can really be deployed alongside people, the safety case must be convincingly and believably proven,” he said.As for Google’s mission to attain physical AGI, Miller says that for now the promise remains “aspirational.”“A robot that can eventually do anything a human can, in any environment, may be a reasonable research goal, but it’s one we’re nowhere near,” he said.For now, he said he expects physical AI to deliver value in controlled environments such as factories and warehouses.Related:FCC Blocks Chinese Humanoid Robot Imports, Citing Security Risks“Physical AI may be adaptable and more flexible than previous forms of automation, but it’s still easier and cheaper to deploy automation in environments where you can minimize risk, minimize uncertainty, and maximize utilization,” he said. “A factory or warehouse may be noisy, dirty, or chaotic, but it’s an awful lot simpler for a robot than a domestic environment.”About the AuthorContributing WriterScarlett Evans is a freelance writer with a focus on emerging technologies and the minerals industry. Previously, she served as assistant editor at IoT World Today, where she specialized in robotics and smart city technologies. Scarlett also has a background in the mining and resources sector, with experience at Mine Australia, Mine Technology and Power Technology. She joined Informa in April 2022 before transitioning to freelance work.