Google launches Gemini Robotics 2 AI model that taught robots to move almost like humans

Google DeepMind unveiled the Gemini Robotics 2 AI model, which enables full-body control of humanoid robots, coordinating movements from feet to fingertips. In a demo video, the Apollo 2 robot by Apptronik walks, squats, bends, picks up a watering can, and retrieves items from shelves. The company noted that while speed still needs improvement, this update is a crucial step toward skills for complex real-world tasks. Additionally, the Gemini Robotics ER 2 model was updated to better analyze the environment, understand instructions, perform multi-step actions, and maintain task context longer. It allows multiple robots of different types to collaborate, as shown in a garage cleanup with Apollo 2 and a dual-arm Google robot. The ER 2 model also includes enhanced safety features, detecting nearby humans and triggering a protective stop. The local Gemini Robotics On-Device Model, which runs on the robot without internet, has also been improved.