Google DeepMind has taken its powerful robot-controlling AI, called Gemini Robotics, and made a lightweight version that can run entirely on a robot itself, without needing internet or cloud access. This new version is called Gemini Robotics On-Device.
Why it matters:
Most advanced robot AIs need the cloud to work—meaning they rely on internet connections to process instructions and make decisions. That’s a problem in places with poor connectivity or high-security requirements.
DeepMind’s new on-device model solves that by packing impressive vision-language-action skills (understanding what it sees and hears, and doing physical tasks) into a version small enough to run right on the robot.
What it can do:
Understand verbal or visual instructions
Manipulate objects it hasn’t seen before
Learn new tasks with just 50–100 examples
Run offline, in real time, and securely
Who it runs on:
Initially trained on Google’s ALOHA robot
Now running on Apptronik’s Apollo humanoid and Franka FR3 dual-arm robots
Why it’s a big deal:
This is a key step toward truly autonomous robots—ones that can operate independently, safely, and flexibly in the real world.
Learn more from Google Gemini Robotics.
Join the trusted user waitlist.
Additional Resources for Curious Humans:
The Verge
"Google DeepMind’s optimized AI model runs directly on robots." The Verge, 24 June 2025.
https://www.theverge.com/news/691882/google-deepmind-on-device-ai-robots-gemini
Details the launch of Gemini Robotics On-Device, its capabilities, and platform adaptations.
The Decoder
"Google Deepmind unveils new AI models for robotic control." The Decoder, 12 Mar. 2025.
https://the-decoder.com/google-deepmind-unveils-new-ai-models-for-robotic-control/
Explains the vision-language-action and enhanced spatial models, partnerships, and real-world testing.
IndexBox
"Google DeepMind Launches Gemini Robotics On-Device Language Model." IndexBox Blog, 24 June 2025.
https://www.indexbox.io/blog/google-deepmind-unveils-gemini-robotics-on-device-model/
Covers the model’s features, demonstrations, SDK release, and market context.
Bots.co.uk
"Franka Research 3 Robot Arm." Bots.co.uk.
https://bots.co.uk/cobots/franka-research-3/
Technical specifications and research applications of the Franka FR3 robot.
Yahoo Finance
"Google rolls out new Gemini model that can run on robots locally." Yahoo Finance, 24 June 2025.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/google-rolls-gemini-model-run-140000998.html
Reports on the model’s local operation, benchmarks, and industry context.
OODA Loop
"Google’s new robotics AI can run without the cloud and still tie your shoes." OODA Loop, 24 June 2025.
https://oodaloop.com/briefs/technology/googles-new-robotics-ai-can-run-without-the-cloud-and-still-tie-your-shoes/
Focuses on autonomy, generalization, and the impact of generative AI in robotics.
TechCrunch
"Google rolls out new Gemini model that can run on robots locally." TechCrunch, 24 June 2025.
https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/24/google-rolls-out-new-gemini-model-that-can-run-on-robots-locally/
Discusses the model’s local capabilities, demonstrations, and SDK release.
Google DeepMind Official Page
"Gemini Robotics." Google DeepMind.
https://deepmind.google/models/gemini-robotics/
Official product page for Gemini Robotics On-Device and SDK.
The Times of India
"Google launches Gemini Robotics, CEO Sundar Pichai says 'we’re taking our next step in...'" The Times of India, 12 Mar. 2025.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/google-launches-gemini-robotics-ceo-sundar-pichai-says-were-taking-our-next-step-in-/articleshow/118944188.cms
Announces the launch of Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER, with CEO commentary and partnership details.
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