Alibaba Joins Physical AI Race With New Robot Models

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has released a new set of artificial intelligence models designed specifically for robots. The move intensifies competition in the rapidly growing field of “physical AI,” where machines learn to interact with the real world. The new models, announced by Alibaba’s cloud computing unit, aim to help robots understand and perform complex physical tasks. This includes moving objects, navigating spaces, and responding to human commands in real time. Unlike standard chatbots that process text and images, physical AI requires machines to handle three-dimensional environments. The announcement comes as global tech firms race to develop robots for warehouses, factories, and even homes. Alibaba’s entry signals that the company sees robotics as a key growth area beyond its core online retail business. Analysts note that Alibaba’s vast logistics network could provide a natural testing ground for these robots. The company already uses automated vehicles and sorting machines in its delivery operations. The new models could make those systems smarter and more flexible. The stock market reacted positively. Shares of Alibaba, listed under the ticker BABA, rose on the news. Investors are betting that physical AI will become the next major technology battleground, similar to the race for large language models that power tools like ChatGPT. For now, Alibaba has not announced a specific product launch date. But the company says its models are available to developers and manufacturers starting today.