An inside look at how Nvidia and AI power the next generation of humanoid robots

Yahoo Finance
12 Aug 202413:42

TLDREngineers at Apptronics are developing the next generation of AI-powered humanoid robots, capable of performing a multitude of tasks. With Nvidia at the forefront, these robots are trained using generative AI and vast datasets, potentially transforming the labor force. Companies like Tesla are also investing in this technology, aiming to meet a growing demand in a labor-scarce market, projected to be worth $38 billion. The advancements in teleoperation and machine learning allow robots to learn from human movements, paving the way for versatile, general-purpose humanoids that could become ubiquitous in homes and industries.

Takeaways

  • 😀 Nvidia and AI are driving the development of the next generation of humanoid robots at ApptroniK's Austin lab.
  • 🤖 The future of robotics is moving towards general-purpose humanoids capable of performing a multitude of tasks, as opposed to specialized robots.
  • 🧠 Generative AI, powered by Nvidia's high-performance chips and large datasets, is making the concept of a versatile humanoid robot a reality.
  • 🏭 Robots like Apollo are being trained through teleoperation, where human movements are translated into data for the robot to learn from.
  • 🚀 A breakthrough in machine learning has allowed Apollo to perform tasks autonomously after just 10 hours of training, showcasing the potential for 'zero shot learning'.
  • 💡 Nvidia's technology, including the Omniverse platform, enables the training of robots in a digital environment before applying skills in the real world.
  • 📈 Investment in humanoid robotics is growing, with big tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft setting funding records this year.
  • 🤹‍♂️ The dexterity of Apollo's hands, made possible by a sophisticated sensor network, allows it to perform complex manipulation tasks that were previously difficult for robots.
  • 💼 The market for humanoid robots is projected to reach $38 billion, with companies like Tesla and BMW already integrating them into their operations.
  • 🛠️ As the US faces a labor shortage, especially in manufacturing, humanoid robots could fill the gap and perform tasks that are increasingly unattractive to younger generations.
  • 🔒 There are ongoing discussions about the safety and security implications of having robots work alongside humans, including physical and cybersecurity concerns.
  • 🏠 The vision for the future includes every home having a versatile robot, potentially taking on roles like elder care and household assistance.

Q & A

  • What is the vision behind the development of the next generation of humanoid robots by ApptroniX and Nvidia?

    -The vision is to create a general-purpose humanoid robot that can perform a wide range of tasks, similar to how a human can, using artificial intelligence and high-powered chips.

  • How does the concept of 'zero shot learning' relate to the development of these humanoid robots?

    -'Zero shot learning' refers to the ability of a robot to perform a task after being shown how to do it just once, without the need for extensive training or programming.

  • What is the significance of Nvidia's role in the advancement of humanoid robots?

    -Nvidia is central to the development as it provides the high-powered chips and the Omniverse platform, which allows for the training of robots in a digital environment before applying skills in the real world.

  • What is the potential market size for humanoid robots according to Goldman Sachs?

    -Goldman Sachs projects the market for humanoid robots to reach $38 billion.

  • How does the teleoperation process work in training Apollo the robot?

    -Teleoperation involves a human controlling the robot through a VR headset and controllers, with their movements being processed as data to create a mental model for the robot to learn from.

  • What is the physical capability of the Apollo robot in terms of size, weight, and lifting capacity?

    -Apollo is 5'8" tall, weighs 160 pounds, and can lift up to 55 pounds with its two arms.

  • What is the importance of dextrous manipulation for robots like Apollo, and how has generative AI helped in this area?

    -Dextrous manipulation is crucial for robots to perform tasks that require a sense of touch and fine motor skills. Generative AI has enabled robots to process more data quickly, allowing them to learn these movements more efficiently.

  • How does the development of humanoid robots impact the labor force and the economy?

    -The development of versatile humanoid robots could potentially fill labor shortages, perform tasks that are difficult to recruit for, and fundamentally change the economy by reducing the constraint on human labor.

  • What is the current state of investment and funding in the humanoid robot industry?

    -Investments are increasing, with big tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft backing the industry, which has set new records for funding this year according to CB Insights.

  • What are some of the safety and security concerns associated with the deployment of humanoid robots?

    -Concerns include physical safety when robots work alongside humans, as well as cybersecurity risks such as hacking. It's important to have safety measures at the hardware, software, and cloud levels.

  • What is the future outlook for the adoption and ubiquity of humanoid robots in various sectors?

    -The future outlook is that humanoid robots will become more common, potentially with every home having a robot. The adoption curve will depend on the capability of the robots and their cost-effectiveness.

Outlines

00:00

🤖 Next-Gen Humanoid Robots with Generative AI

This paragraph introduces the advancements in robotics at Apptronics, where engineers are developing the next generation of humanoid robots powered by artificial intelligence. The company aims to create a 'general purpose humanoid' capable of performing a multitude of tasks, a concept traditionally found in science fiction. The technology is supported by Nvidia, with its high-powered chips and vast data sets, enabling the robots to learn from human movements and perform tasks autonomously. The potential market for such technology is estimated to reach $38 billion, indicating a significant shift in the labor force and the beginning of a new era in robotics.

05:01

🚀 Investment Surge and Real-World Applications of Humanoid Robots

The second paragraph discusses the influx of investments in the humanoid robotics sector, with major tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft setting new funding records. It highlights the real-world applications of these robots, such as Tesla's Optimus working in factory floors and Amazon's agility-Digit robot in test facilities. The narrative emphasizes the breakthrough in generative AI, which allows robots to learn from observing human movements, reducing the need for specific task training. Nvidia's role is highlighted with its ecosystem that combines powerful chips with the Omniverse platform, enabling digital training for real-world applications. The potential market cap for humanoid robots is projected to be in the trillions, indicating a massive impact on the economy and labor market.

10:01

🛠 The Versatility and Future of Humanoid Robots

The final paragraph explores the versatility of humanoid robots and their potential to fill labor gaps across various industries. It discusses the cost implications for widespread adoption, with estimates ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for a robot to perform tasks equivalent to 30% of a human's capabilities. The paragraph also touches on safety and security concerns, emphasizing the need for robust measures at the hardware, software, and cloud levels. The future vision for humanoid robots includes applications in elder care and domestic settings, with the expectation that every household will eventually have a robot, much like personal computers and smartphones are ubiquitous today.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Apptronics

Apptronics is a robotics company mentioned in the script, known for developing advanced humanoid robots. The company's Austin lab is highlighted in the video as a place where engineers are working on the next generation of AI-powered robots. Apptronics' humanoid robot, Apollo, is a central figure in the script, showcasing the potential of AI and robotics in the future of work.

💡Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. In the context of the video, AI is what powers the humanoid robots, enabling them to learn from data and perform a wide range of tasks. The script mentions how generative AI is making the concept of a general-purpose humanoid a reality.

💡Humanoid Robots

Humanoid robots are designed to resemble the human body in appearance and movement. They are built to work alongside humans and perform tasks that would typically require human-like dexterity and intelligence. The video script discusses how companies like Apptronics and Nvidia are developing these robots to be more versatile and capable of learning through AI.

💡Generative AI

Generative AI is a type of AI that can generate new content based on vast amounts of data it has been trained on. In the script, generative AI is highlighted as a key technology that enables robots to learn from observing human actions and perform tasks autonomously without the need for explicit programming for each task.

💡Nvidia

Nvidia is a leading company in the field of computer graphics and AI technologies. The script positions Nvidia at the center of the development of next-generation humanoid robots due to its high-performance chips and the Omniverse platform, which allows for training robots in a digital environment before applying skills in the real world.

💡Teleoperation

Teleoperation is a process where a human operator controls a robot remotely, often using VR headsets and controllers. In the script, teleoperation is used to train Apollo the robot, where the operator's movements and interactions with objects are translated into data that the robot learns from.

💡Zero Shot Learning

Zero shot learning is a concept in AI where a model can perform a task without needing to be trained specifically for that task. The script mentions this as the 'holy grail' for the development of humanoid robots, implying that with enough data and the right morphology, robots could perform a wide range of tasks after observing humans only once.

💡Dextrous Manipulation

Dextrous manipulation refers to the ability of a robot to perform complex movements with its hands, similar to human hand dexterity. The script discusses the advancements in robot hands that allow them to grab and sense objects, which is a significant challenge in robotics due to the fine motor skills required.

💡Omniverse

The Omniverse is a platform developed by Nvidia that serves as a metaverse for creating and training virtual representations of real-world entities, including robots. In the script, the Omniverse is highlighted as a tool for training robots in a simulated environment, allowing for faster, safer, and more cost-effective development.

💡Digital Twin

A digital twin is a virtual model of a physical object or system. In the context of the video, creating a digital twin of a robot allows for simulations and testing in a digital environment before the robot performs tasks in the real world. This approach is crucial for accelerating the development and learning process of AI-powered robots.

💡Elder Care

Elder care refers to the assistance and support given to elderly individuals who may require help with daily activities. The script suggests that versatile humanoid robots could play a significant role in elder care, performing a variety of tasks that would contribute to the well-being of the elderly.

💡Adoption Curve

The adoption curve describes the process by which a new technology or product is adopted by the public over time. In the script, the adoption curve is discussed in relation to humanoid robots, emphasizing that the cost and capabilities of these robots will determine how quickly they are integrated into various industries and homes.

Highlights

Engineers at ApptroniX Austin lab are developing the next generation of AI-powered humanoid robots.

The future of robotics is moving towards one robot capable of performing thousands of different tasks.

Nvidia's technology is central to the advancement in humanoid robotics, with its high-powered chips and AI capabilities.

The market for humanoid robots is projected to reach $38 billion, indicating significant growth and competition.

Teleoperation allows anyone to train robots in real-time, revolutionizing the way robots are programmed.

ApptroniX's Apollo robot can perform tasks autonomously after just 10 hours of training, a significant breakthrough.

The goal of zero-shot learning allows robots to perform tasks after a single demonstration by a human.

Apollo is designed to work alongside humans, with a human-like build and strength capabilities.

Generative AI enables robots to process more data quickly, reducing the need for complex programming.

Apollo's hands are equipped with advanced sensors for dextrous manipulation, a difficult task for robots.

Investments in robotics are reaching new heights, with big tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft leading the way.

Nvidia's Omniverse platform allows for training robots in a digital environment before real-world application.

Foundation models in AI are being developed to accelerate learning, enabling robots to copy human movements by observation.

Elon Musk predicts a future with billions of humanoid robots working, transforming the labor market.

The US labor market is facing a significant shortage, especially in manufacturing, creating a demand for robotic workers.

The cost of humanoid robots needs to decrease for widespread adoption, with estimates ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

Safety and cybersecurity are key concerns as robots become more integrated into human work environments.

The versatility of humanoid robots is essential to filling the gap in the labor market and performing a wide range of tasks.

Apollo is set to be deployed in warehouses and manufacturing lines, showcasing the practical application of humanoid robots.

The future envisions a world where every house has a humanoid robot, changing the way we live and work.

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