FANUC Corporation is collaborating with Google to expand Physical AI capabilities across its industrial robot systems, combining FANUC’s robotics platforms with Google’s artificial intelligence technologies. The collaboration focuses on robot systems that can use sensors to perceive their surroundings, make autonomous decisions and carry out physical tasks in manufacturing environments. FANUC describes this approach as Physical AI, integrating cognitive intelligence with robotic action.
FANUC’s robots support the Robot Operating System through open-source ROS drivers and are compatible with Python, external robot control interfaces and programmable logic controller systems. Google contributes to ROS development through its Intrinsic robotics AI group.
The company’s robotics lineup includes the CRX collaborative robot series and industrial robots with payload capacities ranging from 3 kilograms to 2.3 tons. FANUC positions its open platform capabilities as a way for manufacturers to deploy AI-enabled automation in factory settings.
FANUC introduced its Physical AI system at the International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo in December and has since shipped more than 1,000 robots for Physical AI-related applications.
Mike Cicco, president and chief executive officer of FANUC America, said manufacturers are increasingly focused on applying AI technologies on the factory floor. “By combining FANUC’s industrial-grade robotics with Google’s advanced AI, we’re enabling customers to take on more complex, variable production while maintaining the reliability and performance that production environments demand,” Cicco said.
