Editor\’s take: While generative AI is exciting, another AI-powered technology on the horizon, known as physical AI or robotics, could have an even greater impact. The idea behind physical AI is that the same algorithmic principles used for text-based interactions can be applied to learning and replicating physical movements in the real world.
Nvidia has been offering robotics-focused hardware platforms and software for over a decade. Their latest release, the Nvidia Jetson AGX Thor platform, is now generally available and represents a significant advancement. This platform brings Nvidia’s latest Blackwell GPU compute architecture to both industrial and consumer robotics, including humanoid systems.
In the past, Nvidia’s robotics platforms have not been as advanced as their GPUs. However, with the release of the Jetson AGX Thor, Nvidia has aligned robotics with its most advanced AI compute engine, the Blackwell GPUs, for the first time. This leap in technology has resulted in substantial performance improvements, with the Jetson T5000 production module delivering a 7.5-times increase in AI computing power and a 3.5-times improvement in energy efficiency compared to its predecessor, Jetson Orin.
The Jetson AGX Thor platform opens up new possibilities for humanoid-style robots, both for commercial and consumer markets. Nvidia is offering several versions of the platform, with different configurations to suit various needs and budgets.
Aside from hardware, Nvidia is also expanding its robotics software ecosystem to support these new boards, integrating tools like the Isaac Groot humanoid robot foundation models and Nvidia Metropolis for Vision AI.
As humanoid robots start to enter everyday life, there are many social, psychological, and economic implications to consider. The introduction of such advanced robotics technology raises questions that society will need to address in the coming years.
While consumer applications for humanoid robots may still be in the early stages due to cost and societal acceptance, the industrial outlook for robotics is more promising. Robotics is already widely used in manufacturing, with autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) gaining popularity in warehouses and other settings.
The launch of these new platforms indicates that the tools needed to create advanced robotics applications are rapidly evolving. Nvidia, with its combination of advanced hardware platforms and a wide range of robotics applications, is well-positioned to lead in the field of physical AI.
While there are still many questions to be answered, now is the time to start discussions on the potential applications of robotics, particularly in humanoid forms.
Bob O\’Donnell is the founder and chief analyst of TECHnalysis Research, LLC, a technology consulting firm that provides strategic consulting and market research services to the technology industry and professional financial community. Follow him on X @bobodtech
