"AI-Powered Humanoid Robots Are Closer Than We Imagine, Says an Nvidia Executive."

A Nvidia executive has stated that the key to implementing artificial intelligence in today’s world lies in robotics, and he anticipates a near future in which humanoid machines will walk alongside us. During his speech at the recent World Congress on Innovation and Technology 2024 in Armenia, Rev Lebaredian, Vice President of Omniverse and Simulation Technology at Nvidia, predicted that, much like electric cars, AI-powered humanoid robots will soon be accessible for everyday homes and workplaces. He emphasized that it is essential for them to be humanoid or human-like.

Lebaredian explained that the humanoid form is crucial for the successful deployment of robotics, as these machines must coexist in an environment designed solely for humans. The logic behind this assertion is based on the physical design of the world around us, where factories, warehouses, offices, and hospitals are organized to facilitate human movement. Instead of rebuilding a world to fit computers, he proposes that robots adapt to the existing infrastructure. While other types of specialized robots will maintain their place, humanoids will offer the versatility needed to perform a variety of tasks already optimized for human use. Despite the fact that some human features may not be necessary, such as in the case of a robot operating in a single-level factory where it may be more cost-effective to have wheels instead of legs, human-like movement remains relevant.

For example, these robots could be used to restock shelves in a store or handle logistics in a warehouse. According to Lebaredian, the combination of robotics with artificial intelligence is elevating the feasibility of these humanoids. He assured that recent advancements in AI and computing have made it possible to see a real chance of solving challenges like balance, walking, and navigation for robots.

The AI-powered "brain" that Lebaredian considers the "missing ingredient" for creating a versatile robot, along with the ability to learn from simulations before being deployed and the capability to interact with their environment, are some of the key factors that will characterize the robots of the future. Through Nvidia's Omniverse platform, these robots are already being trained in accurate simulations before their implementation in the real world, where they will continue to learn and adapt.

Moreover, the costs associated with developing these humanoids are expected to decrease rapidly. Much like smartphones, humanoid robots will follow a similar trajectory in terms of pricing, allowing for their adoption across more industries. Lebaredian maintains that they will become as common as mobile phones, becoming increasingly affordable in the near future.

The introduction of these digital beings could have significant implications. In healthcare, humanoids could assist in surgeries where their precision in fine movements is superior. In logistics and manufacturing, they could cover the gaps left by labor shortages, contributing to the automation that has already helped companies meet demand and remain competitive. In the two years following the launch of ChatGPT and the subsequent AI boom, we have seen considerable interest from companies in adopting this technology to improve productivity and efficiency. Lebaredian hopes that this enthusiasm will continue as we move towards robotics and AI in physical environments.

In summary, generative AI has shown that we are capable of creating solutions to address social challenges, such as low productivity and talent shortages. The ability of humanoid robots to seamlessly integrate into human-built environments and perform a wide range of tasks represents a new wave of innovation in an increasingly automated world. Furthermore, as the development costs of these robots decrease, it is anticipated that we will soon pay little more than the costs of manufacturing and materials, encouraging an increase in their adoption across various industries and, eventually, in our homes.