Fanuc and Google Collaborate to Advance Physical AI Development -

Fanuc and Google have signed a collaboration agreement to enhance the capabilities of their AI-based robotic systems through the integration of cutting-edge technologies. This partnership is part of Fanuc’s drive for innovation in industrial automation by developing open platforms and physical AI solutions. Over the years, the company has been committed to open technologies that enable the implementation of AI solutions in manufacturing environments.

Fanuc robots are compatible with ROS (Robot Operating System), the leading open platform for robotic control, using their open-source controllers. They also have broad compatibility with widely used AI system development technologies such as Python programming language, high-speed communication interfaces for external robot control, and solutions that enable easy integration with industrial PLCs. These capabilities empower manufacturers to deploy physical AI systems quickly and efficiently, leveraging Fanuc’s reliable range of robots, from compact models with 3 kg payload capacity to large robots capable of handling 2.3 tons, including the CRX cobot series, equipped with the most advanced AI technologies for real industrial applications.

Since showcasing the Fanuc physical AI system at the latest International Robot Exhibition (IREX) held in December, market interest has significantly increased. Following that presentation, the company has already supplied over 1,000 robots for physical AI-related applications, with a continually growing demand.

As part of the new collaboration, Fanuc has developed a physical AI system for industrial robots that incorporates Google Cloud’s latest innovations, including Gemini Enterprise, a generative AI platform for businesses combining advanced processing capabilities with high standards of security and reliability. At the New Product Open House Show in May, the company unveiled the next generation of physical AI systems equipped with Gemini technology. The demonstration showcased an AI agent developed with Gemini Enterprise, capable of understanding human instructions, identifying objects, and autonomously operating Fanuc robots to perform assigned tasks. This innovation represents a step towards AI-based industrial robotic systems, enabling collaborative robots and conventional industrial robots to work together within the same production cell, coordinated through simple natural language instructions.

The collaboration extends to Intrinsic, an Alphabet Group company specializing in robotics software. All Fanuc robots, including the CRX range, now have full support within this platform, allowing users to create, test, and deploy AI-based robot applications more quickly and efficiently. The company ensures complete compatibility with Intrinsic’s Flowstate development environment. The interoperability with ROS and the open capabilities of Fanuc robots simplify the development of highly flexible AI solutions tailored to the specific needs of each industry.

Additionally, Fanuc is participating in Google DeepMind’s Gemini Robotics Trusted Tester Program, contributing to the development and validation of fundamental AI models applied to future robotics. Innovation, digitalization, and a circular economy define the future of the extractive sector. “European mining is positioning itself as more innovative and technologically intensive compared to other regions,” according to a study by Advanced Manufacturing Madrid. Embracing Industry 4.0, the European mining sector is evolving by enhancing its portfolio of DC products. Asset management platforms are transitioning towards predictive and intelligent models, with data contextualization driving new efficiencies, sustainability, and decision-making models.