Nvidia shifts focus to robotics in 2025

• Published On: 30 December 2024 at 16:43

Nvidia, the world's leading chipmaker, is increasing its focus on robotics in 2025, with plans to introduce a new generation of compact computers specifically designed for humanoid robots.

The new product, named Jetson Thor, is expected to debut in the first half of the year, according to a report in the Financial Times.

This move is a significant step forward in Nvidia's long-term strategy. While Nvidia does not intend to compete directly with robotics manufacturers such as Tesla, the company intends to be a key supplier to the world's growing number of robot makers.

Nvidia's vice president of robotics, Deepu Talla, explained in a recent interview in Tokyo that the company intends to provide the underlying technology, or "OEM," to hundreds of thousands of robotic companies worldwide.

Talla believes that two significant technological breakthroughs influenced the timing of this shift. First, the rise of generative AI models, which have transformed robot capabilities; and second, the increasing ability to train robots in simulated environments, which has reduced the cost and complexity of developing robotic systems.

However, Nvidia's entry into the robotics space comes at a time when some of its largest customers, such as Amazon and Google, are attempting to reduce their reliance on Nvidia's AI chips by developing their own in-house alternatives.

While Nvidia has not publicly acknowledged this competitive pressure, the company's increased emphasis on robotics and AI-driven solutions demonstrates its determination to remain at the forefront of the rapidly expanding robotics sector.