Nvidia plans to launch its “Jetson Thor” computing platform in the first half of 2025, providing the processing power needed to bring sophisticated humanoid robots to life.
The company aims to capitalise on recent breakthroughs in AI to enable robots to interact more autonomously and seamlessly with humans and their environments.
One small step for man, one giant leap for humanoid robots
First revealed earlier this year, Jetson Thor is the latest addition to Nvidia’s Jetson platform—a series of compact computers known for their AI prowess. While previous iterations found use in various fields like drones and smart homes, Jetson Thor focuses exclusively on robotics, promising unprecedented levels of autonomy and human-robot interaction.
This specialised focus stems from the rapid advancements in AI—particularly in areas like computer vision, natural language processing, and machine learning. These breakthroughs allow robots to “see,” understand, and respond to their surroundings with increasing sophistication. Jetson Thor will harness these capabilities, enabling robots to perform complex tasks, learn from experiences, and adapt to dynamic environments.
Technology provider, not a hardware manufacturer:
Unlike companies like Tesla, which are developing their own robot hardware, Nvidia is taking a different approach. Instead of competing directly in the robotics market, Nvidia positions itself as a technology provider, supplying the powerful computing brains behind these robots. This strategy is evident in their partnerships with established robotics manufacturers like Siemens and Universal Robots.
Nvidia says its technology is already powering Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus. While Tesla plans to commence limited production of Optimus within its factories by the end of 2025, with wider availability anticipated in 2026, Nvidia plays a crucial role in bringing this vision to life.
Deepu Talla, Nvidia’s VP of robotics and edge computing, emphasises that widespread deployment of production-ready robots in 2025 is unlikely. This timeline acknowledges the complexity of integrating sophisticated AI systems with physical robots, requiring further advancements in areas like sensor technology, software development, and ethical considerations.
By providing the processing power necessary for advanced AI capabilities, Nvidia is paving the way for humanoid robots to become more integrated into our lives, assisting us in various tasks, collaborating with us in workplaces, and even helping to take care of our ageing populations. However, this evolution will require careful consideration of ethical implications.
(Image by Pete Linforth)
See also: Jailbreaking AI robots: Researchers sound alarm over security flaws
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