EP.57 GOOGLE ANNOUNCES NEW AI MODELS FOR ROBOTS
Dexterity announced a new robot, another Chinese robot company joins the humanoid space, Google releases new models to bring AI to robotics & much more...
Dual wheel robot with great balance! ⚖️
LimX Dynamics has unveiled the Tron 1, a versatile bipedal robot designed for mobility and agility in challenging environments. This self-balancing bot can walk or roll, thanks to modular foot ends that swap between rubber pads, pivot shoes, or motorized wheels.
In a recent demonstration, Tron 1 showcased its ability to hop over fences, climb irregular stairs, and self-right after being pushed—highlighting its potential for search-and-rescue missions. It operates via wireless remote, semi-automated tasks, or full autonomy.
The robot measures 33.3 inches tall and weighs 44 pounds. It features 48-V actuators with a peak torque of 80 Nm and a swappable 240-Wh lithium battery, providing around two hours of use per charge. Powered by a 12th-gen Intel i3 processor with 16 GB of RAM, it’s available for $15,000, catering to both standard and educational applications.
Robots helping to build staircases 🪜
ABB’s robots have transformed staircase production for Dutch manufacturer EeStairs, quadrupling the capacity for its compact spiral staircases.
Previously, each staircase was assembled manually, taking four hours per unit and requiring skilled welders to work at heights. To automate the process, system integrator RobWelding implemented a solution using two ABB IRB 4600 robots—one for part handling and the other for welding.
Customers configure staircases online, and RobWelding’s software converts these specifications into robotic instructions, eliminating the need for manual reprogramming. ABB’s RobotStudio® software facilitated virtual testing, streamlining implementation.
The system, dubbed ‘Lassie,’ has been in full operation since September 2023, significantly boosting efficiency while allowing EeStairs’ welders to focus on more complex projects.
🦾 Feature sponsorship with ABB Robotics
Google with models to bring AI to robotics 🧠
Google DeepMind has introduced two new AI models, Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER, to bring advanced AI capabilities into real-world robotics.
Gemini Robotics, built on Gemini 2.0, is a vision-language-action (VLA) model designed to control robots by integrating physical actions. Gemini Robotics-ER enhances spatial understanding, enabling roboticists to program robots with embodied reasoning.
DeepMind is collaborating with Apptronik to develop humanoid robots powered by Gemini 2.0 and working with partners like Agile Robots, Agility Robotics, and Boston Dynamics to refine Gemini Robotics-ER.
The models focus on three key attributes: generality, interactivity, and dexterity. Gemini Robotics can adapt to new situations, interact with people and environments, and perform complex tasks requiring fine motor skills. It has been trained on platforms like ALOHA 2 and Franka arms and is designed to control a range of robotic systems, including humanoids like Apptronik’s Apollo.
Meme of the week 🤖
In a couple of hours we will witness another Jensen’s keynote. Curious to see how it’s going to impact robotics. Last year GTC was huge - they announced GR00T.
New funding round for truck loading robot company! 🚛
Dexterity has raised $95 million in new funding, bringing its total valuation to $1.65 billion. The Redwood City-based company specializes in "physical AI," enabling robots to handle complex logistics tasks.
Dexterity’s flagship system, DexR, is a dual-armed robot designed for unloading boxes from trailers and containers. Using machine vision, force sensing, and motion planning, DexR can manage various materials and improve efficiency over time. With a 60 kg payload and over 5 meters of reach, it operates in a wide range of temperatures.
The latest investment, led by Lightspeed and Sumitomo Corp., brings Dexterity’s total funding to $291 million. Sumitomo has already committed to deploying 1,500 robots in Japan by 2026, highlighting the growing demand for AI-powered warehouse automation.
Just today they have released their industrial superhumanoid - Mech.
Dobot released a humanoid robot! 🦿
Dobot, known for its collaborative robotic arms, has entered the humanoid robot market with its newly announced Atom. The company has shared limited details but has released videos showcasing Atom operating autonomously.
Atom features 28 degrees of freedom and ±0.05mm precision, enabling it to perform delicate tasks. It also moves with straight knees, reducing energy consumption by 42% while maintaining stability on challenging terrain. With computing power 7.7 times the industry standard and the Robot Operator Model-1 (ROM-1), Atom can autonomously adapt to unstructured environments.
While Dobot has not specified its target market, initial demonstrations show Atom performing household tasks, suggesting a possible focus on home applications. This would align with efforts by 1X Technologies, which recently unveiled its NEO Gamma humanoid for home use. However, many competitors, including Agility Robotics, Figure AI, and Apptronik, are prioritizing commercial and industrial applications such as logistics and manufacturing.
Dobot, founded in 2015, has deployed over 72,000 robots worldwide, but Atom marks its first venture into humanoid robotics. It remains to be seen whether Dobot will pursue consumer or industrial markets with its latest innovation.
