^{Photo: WIRED}

Google is accelerating its push into AI-powered robotics through a strategic partnership with Munich-based Agile Robots. The collaboration will combine Google DeepMind’s Gemini Robotics foundation models with Agile Robots’ sensor-equipped robotic arms and humanoid systems to enhance real-world performance, data collection, and iterative AI model development.

Agile Robots currently has more than 20,000 robotic systems deployed globally, primarily in industrial and manufacturing environments. Under the partnership, Google’s AI will be integrated into these existing platforms, initially targeting high-value manufacturing applications such as precision assembly and logistics automation. Carolina Parada, Senior Director and Head of Robotics at DeepMind, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating it will help develop “more advanced AI models for the next generation of robots” and bring transformative AI capabilities into physical operations.

The partnership is the latest in a series of robotics initiatives for Google. In mid-2025, the company launched Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER (extended reasoning), generative AI models capable of translating AI commands into physical actions. Google also previously partnered with Texas-based Apptronik to create humanoid robots and collaborated with Hyundai’s Boston Dynamics unit to develop AI for the Atlas robot. Additionally, Google recently elevated Intrinsic, a robotics software company, from its “Other Bets” division into the core company, aiming to position it as “the Android of robotics” focused on manufacturing and operational efficiency.

Industry experts note that Google’s emphasis on robotics mirrors broader trends in the AI sector, where physical applications—from industrial machinery to humanoid robots—are emerging as key growth areas. Venture funding also reflects this shift; in February, Bedrock Robotics, an autonomous construction vehicle startup founded by Waymo and Segment veterans, raised $270 million at a $1.75 billion valuation, with Alphabet’s CapitalG and Nvidia Ventures among the backers.

While the move underscores Google’s ambition, internal debates persist. Some DeepMind employees have expressed caution regarding partnerships with companies like Boston Dynamics, given defense-related contracts, reflecting the complex ethical and strategic considerations involved in scaling AI robotics.

By combining DeepMind’s AI expertise with Agile Robots’ hardware footprint, Google aims to accelerate the deployment of intelligent robots across industries, from manufacturing lines to logistics, signaling a significant step toward mainstreaming AI-powered robotics at scale.