FANUC in Rochester Hills and Google to Advance Physical AI in Robot Systems

FANUC Corp., based in Rochester Hills and the world’s leading supplier of industrial robots and factory automation, has partnered with Google to advance Physical AI in its robot systems. The initiative aims to accelerate automation by integrating artificial intelligence, including large language models (LLMs), into robots capable of perceiving environments, making autonomous decisions, and executing tasks. FANUC supports ROS (Robot Operating System), the industry standard for robot control, through its open-source ROS drivers. It also ensures compatibility with Python for AI development, high-speed communication interfaces, and PLC operations. Google contributes to ROS through its Intrinsic robotics AI group, enabling manufacturers to deploy Physical AI systems across FANUC’s robot lineup, from small 3 kg payload models to large 2.3-ton payload robots, including the CRX collaborative series. Since introducing its Physical AI system at the International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo last December, FANUC has shipped over 1,000 robots for AI-related applications. Demand continues to grow as manufacturers prioritize AI integration on the factory floor. Mike Cicco, president and CEO of FANUC America, stated that combining FANUC’s industrial-grade robotics with Google’s AI will help customers handle complex, variable production while maintaining reliability. The collaboration supports FANUC America’s offerings of CNC systems, robotics, and ROBOMACHINEs. FANUC America is a subsidiary of FANUC Corp., headquartered in Japan. For more details, visit fanucamerica.com.