China’s Alibaba on Tuesday launched a new artificial intelligence model designed to power robots, as global technology giants intensify efforts to develop so-called “physical AI” systems that can interact with the real world.
The model, called RynnBrain, is aimed at helping robots understand their physical surroundings, identify objects and carry out tasks that combine perception with movement. Alibaba said the technology represents a step forward in applying AI beyond digital environments and into real-world industrial and consumer applications.
A demonstration video released by Alibaba’s DAMO Academy shows a robot identifying pieces of fruit and placing them into a basket. While the task appears simple, Alibaba said it involves complex AI capabilities, including visual recognition, spatial reasoning and precise motor control.
Robotics falls under the broader category of “physical AI,” which includes machines such as autonomous vehicles, factory robots and humanoid systems that rely on artificial intelligence to perceive and respond to the physical environment. The sector has attracted growing attention as governments and companies race to secure leadership in next-generation technologies.
China has prioritised physical AI as part of its broader strategy to compete with the United States in advanced technologies. The country has invested heavily in robotics, autonomous driving and AI-powered manufacturing, viewing them as key engines of future economic growth.
Alibaba’s move places it alongside a small group of global technology leaders developing foundational AI models specifically for robotics. Nvidia has introduced a suite of robotics-focused AI tools under its “Cosmos” platform, while Google DeepMind recently unveiled Gemini Robotics-ER 1.5, a model designed to enable robots to understand and act in real-world settings.
Tesla founder Elon Musk has also championed robotics as a transformative technology and is developing AI systems to power the company’s Optimus humanoid robot.
Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang has been among the most bullish voices in the sector, describing AI and robotics as a “multitrillion-dollar growth opportunity” that could reshape industries ranging from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare.
For Alibaba, RynnBrain marks a strategic expansion of its artificial intelligence ambitions beyond cloud computing and digital services. The company has gained momentum in recent years with its Qwen family of large language models, which are among the most advanced AI systems developed in China and have been widely adopted by developers and enterprises.
Alibaba said RynnBrain builds on this foundation by extending AI capabilities into robotics and physical systems, offering developers tools to train robots to recognise objects, navigate environments and perform tasks with greater autonomy.
Like many of its AI offerings, Alibaba is pursuing an open-source strategy with RynnBrain, allowing developers to use and adapt the model for free. The company said open-sourcing has been key to accelerating adoption and expanding its ecosystem globally, particularly as Chinese firms seek to compete with U.S. technology platforms.
China is widely seen as leading the United States in the development and manufacturing of humanoid robots, with several domestic companies planning to ramp up production this year. Lower manufacturing costs, strong supply chains and government support have helped Chinese firms move quickly from research to commercialisation.
Analysts say Alibaba’s entry into robotics could strengthen its position in emerging markets such as smart manufacturing, logistics automation and service robots, while also supporting China’s broader push to integrate AI into the real economy.
However, challenges remain. Physical AI systems require large amounts of high-quality data, robust safety controls and significant capital investment. Regulatory scrutiny and concerns over job displacement may also shape how quickly such technologies are adopted.
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Still, the launch of RynnBrain underscores how competition in artificial intelligence is shifting from purely digital applications toward systems that can operate in the physical world a frontier many industry leaders believe will define the next phase of the AI revolution.
