Fanuc works with Google to implement physical AI in robots

Fanuc, a leading Japanese robotics manufacturer, has entered a strategic partnership with Google to embed physical AI capabilities into its robotic systems. The collaboration will utilize Google’s Gemini Enterprise generative AI technology and Intrinsic’s Flowstate software platform, enabling robots to understand spoken instructions, recognize objects, and operate autonomously. At Fanuc’s 34th New Products Open House in Japan, the company demonstrated a next-generation AI robot system that integrates these technologies, allowing collaborative and standard robots to function together using natural language commands. The partnership builds on Fanuc’s existing physical AI system, which debuted at the International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo last December. Since then, the company has shipped over 1,000 robots equipped with physical AI applications, with demand continuing to rise. Under the new agreement, Google’s Intrinsic platform will support Fanuc’s robot controls, ensuring compatibility with the ROS (Robot Operating System) open-source framework. This integration simplifies the development of AI-driven robotic applications, from prototyping to production, by enabling seamless testing and implementation. Google’s Intrinsic team, which contributes to ROS development, predicts that the collaboration will make AI robotics more accessible and cost-effective for manufacturers. The system will continuously adapt and optimize tasks like vision, motion, and manipulation, improving efficiency in real-world production environments. Fanuc’s open-source ROS drivers, compatible with Python, further enhance flexibility, while high-speed communication interfaces allow for easy external control and PLC integration. Wendy Tan White, CEO of Google Intrinsic, emphasized the partnership’s goal of democratizing robotics, allowing more businesses to leverage AI-driven automation. Mike Cicco, president and CEO of Fanuc America, noted that manufacturers are now focused on applying AI where it matters most—directly on the factory floor. The collaboration aims to address complex, variable production challenges while maintaining reliability and performance in industrial settings. Physical AI, which combines cognitive intelligence with physical action, has gained global attention for its potential to revolutionize manufacturing. Robots equipped with this technology can perceive their surroundings, make autonomous decisions, and execute tasks independently, marking a significant shift in production economics and operations.