Google DeepMind has hired the former CTO of Boston Dynamics to lead its universal operating system for robots. Aaron Saunders, with 23 years of experience at the company behind the famous Atlas robot, has taken on the role of Vice President of Hardware Engineering. This move confirms that the AI subsidiary is serious about its Gemini project, the renowned ‘Android for robotics’.
Saunders joined Boston Dynamics in 2018 and was promoted to CTO in 2021 after working on some of the industry’s most advanced prototypes, including the quadruped Spot and the humanoid Atlas that wowed everyone with its incredible maneuvers.
The vision at DeepMind under CEO Demis Hassabis is to develop an “Android for robots” that serves as a universal AI base to control robots of any hardware configuration, whether humanoid, quadruped, or wheeled. This approach aims to decouple intelligence from the physical chassis, allowing for a system that can adapt to various body configurations without the need to manufacture specific hardware.
Though the emphasis is on software, the addition of an experienced builder like Saunders implies Google’s strategy is akin to Pixel’s: creating its hardware to showcase the capabilities of its software. Saunders’ practical experience in hydraulic and electric actuation is crucial in bridging the gap between simulations and real-world applications, ensuring that robots function seamlessly.
As the cost of robotic hardware decreases rapidly, led by Chinese manufacturers like Unitree dominating the market for quadruped systems, the robotics industry is evolving. Companies like Tesla and Meta are exploring closed and open ecosystems for robots respectively, each with its unique approaches to advancing robotics technology.
DeepMind’s focus on the “brain” of robots while acknowledging the significance of the “body” suggests a new era where robots transition from lab prototypes to practical tools. The blend of Saunders’ physical expertise and Google’s advanced AI could mark a significant milestone in making robots truly functional tools.
The hire of Saunders comes at a crucial time when advancements and competition in robotic hardware are escalating. With a mix of innovative hardware and sophisticated AI, the goal is for robots to move beyond being mere laboratory experiments to becoming indispensable assets in various industries.
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