A new push into robotics marks a significant shift in Alibaba’s artificial intelligence strategy. The company has introduced an AI model designed specifically to power robots, signalling its strongest move yet into robotics-focused AI.
Alibaba’s research arm, DAMO Academy, has launched RynnBrain, an AI model built to help robots better understand their surroundings. The model is designed to improve how robots recognise objects, interpret space, and interact with the physical world. This is Alibaba’s most direct entry so far into AI developed specifically for robotics.
A demonstration video released by DAMO Academy shows a robot using RynnBrain to identify pieces of fruit and place them into a basket. While the task appears simple, it relies on complex AI systems that combine visual perception, spatial awareness, and motor control. These abilities are essential for robots to function effectively in real-world settings rather than controlled laboratory environments.
Robotics has become a major focus area in China’s broader technology race with the US. Often described as part of “physical AI,” the sector is drawing growing global attention. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has described AI and robotics as a “multitrillion-dollar growth opportunity.” NVIDIA is developing robotics-focused models under its Cosmos platform, while Google DeepMind is advancing similar efforts through its Gemini Robotics-ER models.
The launch of RynnBrain builds on the success of Alibaba’s Qwen family of AI models, which are considered among the most advanced systems developed in China. By extending these capabilities into robotics, Alibaba is entering a fast-growing market expected to expand rapidly over the next decade. China is widely seen as ahead of the US in humanoid robotics, with several domestic companies planning to scale up production this year.
RynnBrain will be made available for developers to use freely. Alibaba has adopted an open-source approach for many of its recent AI releases, aiming to encourage wider adoption and build a global ecosystem around its models. This strategy reflects the company’s push to strengthen its position in next-generation AI technologies.
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