Alibaba unveils AI model enhancing robots amid 'physical AI' buzz

Alibaba introduced an AI model this Tuesday, aimed at enhancing robotics, as technology leaders dive deeply into this booming sector.

Named RynnBrain, this system is crafted to enable robots to better grasp their surroundings and recognise objects.

An Alibaba DAMO Academy video displays a robot correctly identifying fruit and placing it into a basket. 

While seemingly straightforward, these actions require sophisticated AI to manage a robot's perception and maneuvering.

The broader category that houses robotics is referred to as "physical AI," involving machinery reliant on AI, like autonomous vehicles – an area of focus for China in its rivalry with the US for tech supremacy.

Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, stands out as one of the sector's most confident figures, deeming AI and robotics as offering "a multitrillion-dollar growth opportunity."

For Alibaba, the RynnBrain model provides a new avenue into the robotics arena and continues the momentum witnessed with its advanced Qwen AI models, which are highly regarded in China.

Alibaba isn't the sole player developing models for physical AI. Around the globe, tech behemoths are creating these AI "world models." 

Nvidia offers multiple models for robotics AI under the "Cosmos" umbrella, while Google DeepMind has its Gemini Robotics-ER 1.5.

Elon Musk, a prominent robotics advocate, is crafting an AI with Tesla's Optimus.

In terms of humanoid robots, those crafted to replicate human movements, China appears to be outpacing the U.S., with firms planning to ramp up production this year.

Adopting a strategy similar to its other models, Alibaba's RynnBrain is available open source, allowing developers access at no cost.