Alphabet's Intrinsic, which builds AI models and software for industrial robots, joins Google; it will remain a distinct entity and work with Google DeepMind

Read full article → techcrunch.com
Alphabet's Intrinsic, a developer of AI models and software for industrial robots, is being integrated into Google. While Intrinsic will operate as a distinct entity, it will collaborate closely with Google DeepMind and leverage Google's Gemini AI models and cloud infrastructure. This move signifies Google's strategic push into physical AI, recognizing it as a crucial frontier for AI advancement and monetization, akin to the views of industry leaders like Nvidia and Qualcomm. Intrinsic, which spun out from Alphabet's X division in 2021, has a history of strategic acquisitions, including Vicarious and parts of Open Robotics, and recently launched its Flowstate software platform and Intrinsic Vision AI model. The integration aims to accelerate Intrinsic's mission of making robotics more accessible and to unlock the potential of physical AI for a wider range of manufacturing applications, potentially transforming production economics and operations.

Key Details

The integration of Intrinsic into Google is a significant strategic play for Alphabet, positioning Google at the forefront of the burgeoning physical AI sector. By combining Intrinsic's specialized robotics software and AI models with Google's vast AI expertise, particularly through Google DeepMind and its Gemini models, the company aims to accelerate the development and deployment of intelligent industrial robots. This synergy is expected to enhance the accessibility and capability of robotics for manufacturing, potentially leading to increased automation and efficiency across various industries. The distinct operational status of Intrinsic within Google suggests a strategy to maintain specialized focus while benefiting from the parent company's resources.

The market implications of this move are substantial, particularly for the industrial automation and robotics sectors. Intrinsic's mission to democratize robotics by making them more accessible to developers without deep expertise aligns with a growing demand for flexible and adaptable automation solutions. By integrating with Google's cloud services and advanced AI, Intrinsic can scale its offerings more effectively, potentially disrupting established players and creating new opportunities for small to medium-sized enterprises in manufacturing. The convergence of AI and physical robotics is seen as a key growth area, and this consolidation within Google could set new industry standards.

Technically, the integration allows Intrinsic to tap into Google's cutting-edge AI research and infrastructure, including its powerful Gemini models. This could lead to more sophisticated AI capabilities for robots, such as improved perception, decision-making, and adaptability in complex environments. The company's existing products like Flowstate and Intrinsic Vision AI are likely to be enhanced through this collaboration. Moving forward, it will be crucial to observe how quickly this integration translates into tangible product advancements and how effectively Intrinsic leverages Google's ecosystem to fulfill its ambitious goals of transforming manufacturing through robotics and AI.

AI Google
Covered by: techmeme techcrunch
Read full article →