Alibaba has officially released its first AI model for robots.
The new system, called RynnBrain, helps robots understand space, objects, and motion. In a video, the company showed a robot using the system to pick up fruit and place it in a basket. It is a simple action, but it reflects a larger ambition.
Alibaba also launched an upgraded language model called Qwen3.7-Max. This model is built to power AI agents. The company claims it can run for 35 hours without losing performance, an important feature for long tasks.
Alibaba describes its overall approach as an “AI factory.” It says it is the only company in China that operates across all levels of AI, from chips to cloud systems to applications. The idea is that controlling every layer gives it an edge over rivals.
The industry is moving away from chatbots. Companies now see bigger opportunities in agents that can book flights, make purchases, or organise schedules on behalf of users.
Robotics is a natural extension of this trend. It brings agents from the screen into the real world, whether in warehouses or homes. Alibaba is competing with other Chinese tech firms and American labs to define this new era.
Chinese companies already have strengths in hardware and manufacturing. Alibaba is trying to combine its AI software with that advantage. This fits with the government’s focus on both AI and robotics as national priorities.