Google wants Intrinsic to be ‘Android of robotics’ as it pushes into physical AI

Google became a powerhouse in smartphones by creating the Android operating system and partnering with handset makers in need of an answer to Apple’s iPhone. Now the search giant has a similar plan for tackling robotics.

Earlier this week, Google announced that Intrinsic, an internal robotics software project, will be moved from the “Other Bets” category into the main company.

Just as Android runs across phones and tablets from devices made by Samsung, Motorola, China’s Xiaomi and others, Intrinsic does the same for robotic systems, though the partnering companies have far less recognizable names. They include FANUC, Universal Robots and KUKA, which all primarily focus on industrial robots. Prospective competitors include Amazon and Tesla.

McKinsey projects the market for general purpose robots could reach $370 billion by 2040, opening up a potentially large opportunity for…