Google DeepMind Expands Robotics Division with New Hire

Google DeepMind has made a significant move in the robotics sector by hiring Aaron Saunders, the former chief technology officer of Boston Dynamics. This strategic hire, announced earlier this month, positions Saunders as the vice president of hardware engineering at DeepMind.

According to Wired, his previous work includes developing advanced robots known for their agility, such as back-flipping and dancing machines. This recruitment aligns with DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis's vision for Gemini, which aims to serve as a foundational robot operating system, akin to how Google provides the Android platform for smartphones.

Hassabis described this approach, stating, 'We want to build an AI system, a Gemini base, that can work almost out-of-the-box, across any body configuration.' This initiative not only focuses on humanoid robots but also on non-humanoid systems.

Boston Dynamics, recognized for its innovative legged robots, has gained attention for its four-legged models and humanoid machines that perform impressive athletic feats. Prior to becoming CTO in 2021, Saunders had been promoted to VP of engineering at Boston Dynamics in 2018 after contributing to the development of an amphibious six-legged prototype.

Google DeepMind has been conducting crucial robotics research for years, and with rising interest in advanced robotic forms, its team is intensifying efforts to develop AI models capable of controlling robotic hardware.

Hassabis expressed optimism for the future of AI-powered robotics, predicting a breakthrough moment in the coming years. The competitive landscape includes several U.S. startups, such as Agility Robotics and Tesla, which is aiming for mass production of its Optimus humanoids.

Meanwhile, Chinese firms like Unitree are emerging as formidable players, with Unitree recently surpassing Boston Dynamics as the leading supplier of four-legged robots in sectors such as manufacturing and construction.

Despite acknowledging the advancements made by companies like Unitree, Hassabis emphasized that his primary focus lies in software, particularly leveraging the multimodal capabilities of Gemini for robotics applications.