Prime Highlights:

• Alibaba launched RynnBrain, a new AI model designed to help robots understand and interact with the physical world, marking its entry into the fast-growing physical AI and robotics space.
• The model strengthens Alibaba’s AI portfolio and positions the company alongside global tech leaders advancing robotics, autonomous systems, and embodied intelligence.

Key Facts:

• RynnBrain was developed by Alibaba’s DAMO Academy and demonstrated its ability to identify objects, judge distance, and guide precise robotic movement.
• Alibaba plans to release RynnBrain as an open-source model, allowing developers worldwide to use it at no cost to encourage adoption and innovation.

Background

Alibaba on Tuesday launched a new artificial intelligence model called RynnBrain, marking its entry into the fast-growing robotics and physical AI space. The model is designed to help robots understand and interact with the physical world by identifying objects and guiding movement.

RynnBrain was developed by Alibaba’s research arm, DAMO Academy. In a demonstration video released by the company, a robot uses the model to identify fruit and place it into a basket. While the task appears simple, it requires advanced AI to recognize objects, judge distance and control precise movement.

Robotics is a key part of what the industry calls “physical AI,” which includes machines such as self-driving cars and autonomous robots. China has made physical AI a national priority as it competes with the United States for leadership in advanced technologies.

Alibaba’s move comes as global tech companies step up efforts in robotics and AI. Nvidia has introduced several models under its Cosmos platform to support robotic training and deployment. Google DeepMind has developed its own robotics model called Gemini Robotics-ER 1.5. Tesla CEO Elon Musk is also pushing robotics by developing Optimus, a humanoid robot that runs on Tesla’s own AI.

For Alibaba, RynnBrain builds on the success of its Qwen family of AI models, which are among the most advanced developed in China. The company sees robotics as a natural extension of its AI capabilities and a new growth opportunity.

Alibaba said it will follow an open-source approach with RynnBrain, allowing developers worldwide to use the model at no cost. The plan aims to increase use, support innovation, and strengthen Alibaba’s role in the global AI and robotics space.