Google is integrating Intrinsic, the Alphabet-owned robotics software company, into its operations, ending Intrinsic’s four-year run as an independent entity. The move, announced Wednesday, aims to accelerate the development and deployment of AI-powered robotics for industrial automation.
Intrinsic was initially created in 2021 as an “Other Bet” within Alphabet, the parent company of Google. The company focused on building software to simplify the process of programming and deploying robots in manufacturing and logistics settings. Prior to its formation, the core technology behind Intrinsic was developed over five years within Alphabet’s X, the company’s research and development division, responsible for projects like Waymo and Wing.
The integration will see Intrinsic’s team and technology incorporated directly into Google, working closely with Google DeepMind. Intrinsic will leverage Google’s Gemini AI models and cloud services to enhance its robotics software capabilities, according to company statements. Alphabet declined to disclose financial details regarding the integration.
Wendy Tan White, who has served as Intrinsic’s CEO since its spinout in 2021, will continue in her role within Google. Prior to leading Intrinsic, Tan White held a position at Siemens. In April 2022, Intrinsic acquired Vicarious, a robotics software company that had previously raised approximately $250 million in venture capital funding, including investment from Jeff Bezos. Shortly after, Intrinsic also acquired several divisions of Open Robotics, a nonprofit focused on robotics hardware and software platforms.
The decision to fold Intrinsic back into Google reflects a broader trend within Alphabet, where successful projects developed within X are sometimes brought under the Google umbrella when strategic alignment becomes paramount. A similar integration occurred with DeepMind, which saw its collaboration with Google’s AI efforts deepen in recent years, culminating in the formation of Google DeepMind in 2023.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the integration is intended to streamline Alphabet’s robotics ambitions and capitalize on the growing synergy between AI and physical automation. The move positions Google to play a more significant role in the rapidly evolving field of industrial robotics.
