Google DeepMind is rolling out an on-device version of its Gemini Robotics AI model that allows it to operate without an internet connection. Carolina Parada, head of robotics at Google DeepMind, tells The Verge that the original Gemini Robotics model uses a hybrid approach, allowing it to operate on-device and on the cloud. “The Gemini Robotics hybrid model is still more powerful, but we’re actually quite surprised at how strong this on-device model is,” Parada says. Alongside this launch, Google is releasing a software development kit (SDK) for the on-device model that developers can use to evaluate and fine-tune it — a first for one of Google DeepMind’s VLAs. The on-device Gemini Robotics model and its SDK will be available to a group of trusted testers while Google continues to work toward minimizing safety risks.