Google DeepMind’s new AI model can control a robot’s entire body

TechAINewsGoogle DeepMind’s new AI model can control a robot’s entire bodyGemini Robotics 2 controls a humanoid robot from ‘feet to fingertips.’Gemini Robotics 2 controls a humanoid robot from ‘feet to fingertips.’by Emma RothJul 30, 2026, 5:18 PM UTCLinkShareGiftApptronik’s Apollo 2 robot takes a baseball glove off of a shelf. Image: GoogleEmma Roth is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO.Google DeepMind says the latest version of its Gemini Robotics AI model can “control entire humanoid robots.” While the previous model focused on controlling a humanoid robot’s upper body, Gemini Robotics 2 now supports “whole-body motions” ranging from its feet to fingertips, according to an announcement on Thursday.The new model will allow humanoid robots to perform a wider range of actions, as it allows them to walk, crouch, stretch, and manipulate objects. Videos shared by Google show how Apptronik’s Apollo 2 robot can bend over to pick up a watering can, as well as find and take specific items off a shelf.Though Google DeepMind notes that its robots “have more to advance in movement speed,” it adds that this update “is an important step towards the skills needed to complete more complex, real-world tasks that require whole-body coordination.”Additionally, Gemini Robotics 2 supports better dexterity, as it can now control more complex, five-fingered hands. That enables robots to perform tasks like sealing a Ziploc, tying a trash bag, or unscrewing a lightbulb.Google DeepMind is updating Gemini Robotics ER (embodied reasoning) as well, a vision-language model that helps robots to analyze their surroundings, process instructions, and perform multi-step tasks. Gemini Robotics ER 2 is better at completing tasks over an extended period of time and “now understands when tasks begin and end.”Google DeepMind says this update also allows multiple robots of different types to work together and complete tasks, with one video showing how Apollo 2 instructs Google’s dual-arm robot to put tools inside a bin while cleaning the garage.The company notes Gemini Robotics ER 2 is its “safest robotics model to date,” as it can “better detect when humans are nearby, trigger safety tool calls and bring the robot to a safe stop if someone approaches too closely.”Meanwhile, Google DeepMind has brought improvements to its Gemini Robotics On-Device Model, which can run locally on a robot without an internet connection. This model can now adapt to new embodiments faster, including those with “drastically different shapes, sensors and degrees of freedom.”Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.Emma RothAIGoogleNewsRobotTechMost PopularMost PopularThis tattoo is permanent, pain-free, and might soon come in the mailXbox CEO lays out priorities in memo after major ‘reset’The loss of Situational AwarenessThe US government just banned RoombasThe ban on robot vacuums won’t make them safer, only worseThe Verge DailyA free daily digest of the news that matters most.Email (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.Advertiser Content FromThis is the title for the native ad