{"version":1,"type":"story","url":"https://digestai.news/story/google-deepmind-to-open-robotics-lab-in-cambridge-in-2027","json":"https://digestai.news/story/google-deepmind-to-open-robotics-lab-in-cambridge-in-2027.json","markdown":"https://digestai.news/story/google-deepmind-to-open-robotics-lab-in-cambridge-in-2027.md","slug":"google-deepmind-to-open-robotics-lab-in-cambridge-in-2027","headline":"Google DeepMind to open robotics lab in Cambridge in 2027","summary":"Google DeepMind is building a new robotics lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts, according to an announcement by Aaron Saunders on LinkedIn. Saunders, who joined the company from Boston Dynamics a year ago, said the facility will house a team developing hardware that builds on DeepMind’s AI and robotics research. He indicated the project is expected to open in 2027, though he did not specify the exact location or size of the lab. The company is currently hiring machinists, engineers, and researchers for this new team.\n\nThis expansion adds to Google’s existing presence in Kendall Square near MIT, where it already employs about 2,000 people. The move coincides with a broader trend of AI and robotics firms settling in the area, including recent leases by Walden Robotics, Anthropic, and Blitzy. Cambridge remains a key hub for robotics innovation due to its proximity to talent pipelines from MIT and Harvard.\n\nDeepMind is actively working on integrating its Gemini AI models into physical robots, including a humanoid capable of walking, talking, and performing delicate tasks like picking up items. Saunders previously served as CTO at Boston Dynamics, where he spent 22 years. Google did not respond to requests for comment on the specific details of the new lab.","keyPoints":["Google DeepMind is constructing a new robotics lab in Cambridge, expected to open in 2027.","Aaron Saunders, former Boston Dynamics CTO, will lead the hardware team at the new facility.","The lab will focus on developing hardware for robots, including humanoids, using Gemini AI."],"whyItMatters":"This signals Google's serious commitment to physical AI and robotics, leveraging Cambridge's academic talent to accelerate the development of autonomous hardware capable of performing real-world tasks.","category":{"slug":"robotics","name":"Robotics & Physical AI","url":"https://digestai.news/category/robotics"},"entities":{"companies":["Google DeepMind","Alphabet","Boston Dynamics","Walden Robotics","Anthropic","Blitzy"],"models":["Gemini","Nano Banana"],"people":["Aaron Saunders","Demis Hassabis","Marc Raibert"]},"firstPublishedAt":"2026-10-15T07:51:00Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-15T07:51:00Z","sourceCount":1,"hasPrimarySource":false,"sources":[{"outlet":"bostonglobe.com","title":"More robots are coming to Cambridge as Google announces a new lab","url":"https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/15/business/google-deepmind-cambridge-robotics-lab","publishedAt":"2026-10-15T07:51:00Z","type":"press","primary":false,"lead":true}],"sourceNotes":null,"discussions":[],"thread":null,"cite":{"text":"Digest AI, \"Google DeepMind to open robotics lab in Cambridge in 2027\", 15 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/google-deepmind-to-open-robotics-lab-in-cambridge-in-2027","publisher":"Digest AI","title":"Google DeepMind to open robotics lab in Cambridge in 2027","datePublished":"2026-10-15T07:51:00Z","url":"https://digestai.news/story/google-deepmind-to-open-robotics-lab-in-cambridge-in-2027"},"generatedBy":"Written by Digest AI's editorial model from the linked sources; the sources are the record.","license":"Headlines, digests and key points are written by Digest AI and may be quoted with a link to the story page. Linked articles belong to their publishers. Terms: https://digestai.news/terms#reuse"}