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Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind announced a collaboration on Monday to advance artificial intelligence in humanoid robotics, combining the companies’ expertise in physical mobility and AI development. The partnership, unveiled during CES 2026 in Las Vegas, will merge DeepMind’s Gemini Robotics foundation models with Boston Dynamics’ latest Atlas humanoid robots.
The initiative aims to equip these robots for diverse industrial applications, with an initial emphasis on transforming manufacturing processes in the automotive sector. Research using the Gemini models and a fresh group of Atlas units is set to launch later this year, involving teams from both organizations.
Alberto Rodriguez, who directs robot behavior for the Atlas project at Boston Dynamics, expressed enthusiasm for the alliance. He highlighted the need for advanced visual-language-action models to handle the complexities of such robots, praising DeepMind’s ability to create dependable and adaptable systems suitable for various tasks and sectors.
Boston Dynamics has long excelled in creating robots with superior athleticism and physical prowess. The company revealed plans for a commercial humanoid version in 2024, spurred by rapid progress in AI that has sped up robot training and real-world implementation. Meanwhile, Google DeepMind, a top AI research outfit, has pioneered robot-focused models through its Gemini Robotics platform, derived from the expansive, multi-modal Gemini system. These tools enable robots regardless of form to sense their surroundings, make decisions, operate equipment, and engage with people.
Carolina Parada, senior director of robotics at Google DeepMind, noted that the Gemini Robotics models were crafted to extend AI into tangible environments. She voiced excitement about collaborating with Boston Dynamics to push boundaries using the Atlas robot, aiming to broaden robotics’ reach while ensuring safe and effective expansion.
Further insights into the collaboration were shared with journalists at Hyundai Motor Group’s CES media event. Hyundai holds the majority stake in Boston Dynamics.
