SAN JOSE (ANN/dpa/THE STAR) – Google has unveiled two new versions of its AI system, Gemini, which are aimed at establishing the groundwork for a new generation of robots that can perform helpful everyday tasks at home.
The first AI model is called Gemini Robotics. It enables the system not only to produce text, images or videos but also to control a robot’s actions.
The second model is named Gemini Robotics ER, where “ER” stands for “embodied reasoning”. Google says this model enhances the spatial reasoning of Google Gemini.
Gemini Robotics-ER can develop entirely new abilities in an instant, according to a Google blog post. “For example, when shown a coffee mug, the model can intuit an appropriate two-finger grasp for picking it up by the handle and a safe trajectory for approaching it.”
Google’s AI specialists at Google DeepMind are collaborating with the Texas-based robotics start-up Apptronik to build AI-powered humanoid robots that can operate efficiently and safely in dynamic environments.
Apptronik has already developed several robot models, including the humanoid robot Apollo, designed for tasks such as lifting, moving and stacking boxes in logistics and manufacturing.
According to Google, for robots to effectively assist humans, AI models for robotics require three essential qualities.
First, they should be versatile and capable of adapting to various situations. Second, they must be interactive to understand instructions or changes in their environment and react promptly. Third, they must be skilful, capable of performing tasks typically done by human hands and fingers, like delicately handling objects.
“Gemini Robotics represents a substantial step in performance on all three axes, getting us closer to truly general purpose robots,” the company says.
Google also illustrated the capabilities of the new AI system in several videos. For instance, Gemini Robotics can sort objects into containers on command, even as they are moved across a room. Another example shows the robot folding an origami figure.
Google will also make its robot AI available to testers, including robot specialists Agile Robots, Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics and Enchanted Tools.
The research project also addresses the topic of safety. The physical safety of humans and objects near robots has consistently been a fundamental concern in robotics.
This firstly focuses on avoiding collisions using traditional safety measures. Gemini Robotics-ER is compatible with these essential safety controls. Moreover, the AI model can assess whether a potential action is safe in a specific context and trigger appropriate responses.
