Nvidia has decided to think big by launching into robotics. During the first half of the year, the company plans to release Jetson Thor, a new generation of compact computers designed specifically for humanoid robots. The objective? Providing robot manufacturers with the tools needed to design more efficient and intelligent machines.
Robots, a new playground for Nvidia
According to Deepu Talla, vice president of the robotics division at Nvidia, we are approaching a decisive moment>> for artificial intelligence applied to robotics. This field, still in full exploration, could soon experience an explosion similar to that experienced by AI with ChatGPT.
For Nvidia, it is not a question of directly manufacturing robots, but of becoming the technical ally of manufacturers. Clearly, the company offers a complete solution: software to train AI models, tools to simulate virtual environments, and hardware components to equip the robots. With this all-in-one pack, Nvidia hopes to attract as many partners as possible, whether start-ups or big names in the industry.
Nvidia’s choice is not trivial. For some time now, the company has been facing increased competition in its core business: AI chips. Players like AMD and even the cloud giants (Amazon, Google, Microsoft) are developing their own solutions to reduce their dependence on Nvidia. The company is therefore seeking to diversify and secure its future.
But all is not yet won. Today, robotics remains a niche market. Start-ups often struggle to make their projects profitable, reduce costs and guarantee the reliability of their robots. In addition, Nvidia does not yet communicate on the turnover generated by its robotic products, a sign that this activity remains marginal compared to its sales of chips for data centers, which represent nearly 88% of its revenues.
Despite this, Nvidia firmly believes in the potential of this sector. Deepu Talla explains that two major technological advances have recently accelerated things: the rise of generative AI models and advances in virtual simulations, which allow robots to be trained in digital environments before sending them out into the world real.
Nvidia’s strategy is not limited to technology. In February, the company invested in Figure AI, a start-up specializing in humanoid robots, valued at $2.6 billion. Companies like Amazon, Toyota and Boston Dynamics are already using Nvidia tools to develop their robotic projects.
The robotics market, estimated at 78 billion dollars today, could reach 165 billion by 2029. Nvidia intends to take a bite of it, by providing the essential technological building blocks.
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