Google DeepMind’s new AI model can control a robot’s entire body
TL;DR
Google DeepMind says the latest version of its Gemini Robotics model can control entire humanoid robots. While the previous model focused on the upper body, Gemini Robotics 2 supports whole-body motions from feet to fingertips, letting robots walk, crouch, stretch and manipulate objects. Videos show Apptronik's Apollo 2 bending over to pick up a watering can and taking specific items off a shelf.
Nauti's Take
Whole-body control is the breakthrough robotics teams have been waiting for, turning humanoids from demo props into machines that can walk, crouch and actually handle objects. The risk sits in the gap between curated videos and real warehouse floors, where surfaces are uneven and objects refuse to cooperate.
Teams planning automation should line up pilots now, but not bet budgets on production readiness yet.
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