Google DeepMind Unveils Gemini Robotics: AI-Powered Models for Real-World Robotics

On March 12, 2025, Google DeepMind introduced two new AI models under the Gemini Robotics umbrella, built on the Gemini 2.0 framework. These models represent a major leap in integrating advanced AI with robotics, enhancing reasoning, adaptability, and dexterity for real-world tasks.

Gemini Robotics: Vision-Language-Action (VLA) Model

✅ Overview

• DeepMind’s most advanced Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model.
• Expands multimodal capabilities (text, images, audio, video) by adding physical actions as an output.
• Enables robots to interpret commands and perform precise movements.

✅ Key Features

• Generalization – Learns new tasks from language alone (e.g., slam-dunking after reading about it).
• Interactivity – Understands natural language commands, even when instructions change dynamically.
• Dexterity – Handles complex, multi-step tasks (e.g., folding origami, packing a lunchbox, placing glasses into a case).
• Performance – Doubles the efficiency of prior VLA models in handling novel scenarios.

✅ Applications

• Robots demonstrate fine motor skills in origami, object manipulation, and following shifting instructions.
• Potential for broad adoption across industries requiring autonomous, adaptable robots.

Gemini Robotics-ER (Embodied Reasoning): AI for Spatial Awareness & Planning

✅ Overview

• Focuses on spatial reasoning, allowing robots to understand 3D environments and object manipulation.
• A developer-friendly model that integrates with existing robotic systems rather than replacing them.

✅ Key Features

• Spatial Understanding – Recognizes objects, parts, and their relationships (e.g., opening a lunchbox & arranging items inside).
• Enhanced Planning – Provides state estimation, perception, and AI-powered code generation.
• Higher Success Rates – Achieves 2-3x higher performance in end-to-end control tasks.

✅ Industry Collaboration

• Tested with top robotics firms, including Agile Robots, Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics, and Enchanted Tools.
• Partnering with Apptronik to develop next-gen humanoid robots like Apollo.

Context & Development

🔹 Built on Gemini 2.0, released in December 2024, extending its capabilities into robotic intelligence.
🔹 Emphasizes safety, with Gemini Robotics-ER evaluating action risks through expert-driven safeguards.
🔹 Currently in testing with select partners, with a waitlist open for broader developer access.

Industry Impact

With these advancements, Google DeepMind strengthens its position in AI-driven robotics, competing with OpenAI, Figure AI, and other industry leaders.

The goal? Making robots more autonomous, adaptable, and commercially viable—pushing AI further into the physical world.

What’s Next?

The models are being tested with real-world tasks, and full public release details remain unspecified. However, early demonstrations suggest a new era of AI-powered robotics is on the horizon.