Google DeepMind Joins Forces with Boston Dynamics for Advanced AI Humanoid Robots
Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind have unveiled a significant new alliance on January 5, 2026, with the goal of integrating advanced artificial intelligence into humanoid robots. This collaboration is set to create visual-language-action models specifically tailored for Boston Dynamics’ latest Atlas humanoid robot, merging the robotics firm’s physical prowess with DeepMind’s foundational AI models.
“In our quest to create the world’s most advanced humanoid, we recognized the need for a partner that could assist us in developing new types of visual-language-action models for these intricate robots,” a representative from Boston Dynamics expressed. The partnership capitalizes on Google DeepMind’s Gemini Robotics models, which are engineered to enable robots to perceive, reason, utilize tools, and interact safely with humans. The partnership was revealed at Hyundai’s CES 2026 media presentation, with Hyundai Motor Group being the majority shareholder of Boston Dynamics.
The new Atlas robot boasts 56 degrees of freedom with rotation joints, human-scale hands equipped with tactile sensing, and a lifting capacity of up to 110 pounds. It is fitted with 360-degree cameras for spatial awareness and is specifically designed for repetitive tasks in manufacturing environments. The robots will undergo training and validation at the Robot Metaplant Application Center, slated to open in 2026. The Atlas robots are anticipated to commence sequencing tasks at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America by 2028, with more complex assembly operations planned for 2030.
Source: https://bostondynamics.com/blog/boston-dynamics-google-deepmind-form-new-ai-partnership/