Google DeepMind Expands Robotics with Boston Dynamics CTO Hire

Google DeepMind has made a significant move in the robotics sector by hiring Aaron Saunders, the former chief technology officer of Boston Dynamics, as their new VP of hardware engineering. This hire comes at a crucial time as DeepMind pushes to develop its Gemini project, envisioned to serve as a robot operating system akin to Google's Android for smartphones.

DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis has articulated a vision for Gemini to work seamlessly across various robotic configurations, stating that it will cater not only to humanoid robots but also to non-humanoid forms.

Saunders's background includes pivotal contributions to Boston Dynamics' iconic creations known for their agility and impressive feats, such as back-flipping and dancing robots. He previously worked on an amphibious six-legged prototype before ascending to the role of VP of engineering in 2018 and then becoming CTO in 2021.

Google DeepMind has a history of significant research in robotics, and with rising interest in advanced robotic forms, their researchers are intensifying efforts to develop AI models that can effectively control robotic hardware systems.

Hassabis believes that the field of AI-powered robotics is on the brink of a breakthrough, predicting substantial advancements in the next few years. The competitive landscape for robotic technology is evolving, particularly as Boston Dynamics is now majority owned by Hyundai Motor Company, which acquired its stake from SoftBank after purchasing it from Alphabet in 2017.

The report highlights that the components and expertise to build legged robots have become more accessible, leading to numerous startups in the U.S. focusing on humanoid robots, including Agility Robotics and Tesla, with Elon Musk aiming to produce a million Optimus humanoids over the next decade.

In contrast, Chinese companies, such as Unitree, are making significant progress in robotics, offering affordable legged machines that have recently positioned them as the largest supplier of four-legged systems, surpassing Boston Dynamics.

While Hassabis acknowledges the impressive advancements made by Unitree, he emphasizes that his focus remains on developing the software side. He notes that the multimodal capabilities of DeepMind's Gemini model are particularly well-suited for enhancing robotic functions, reinforcing the company’s commitment to integrating AI into robotics.