Source URL: https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/25/08/25/207231/nvidias-new-robot-brain-goes-on-sale?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: Nvidia’s New ‘Robot Brain’ Goes On Sale
Feedly Summary:
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: Nvidia’s launch of the Jetson AGX Thor robotics chip module is a significant advancement in robotics and AI technology, positioning the company as a key enabler in the industry. The new module’s increased speed and capability to run complex AI models highlight its potential applications in both robotics and self-driving technology.
Detailed Description:
Nvidia has introduced its Jetson AGX Thor robotics chip module, a development kit priced at $3,499, targeted at companies looking to prototype and develop sophisticated robotic solutions. The following points outline the key aspects of this launch:
– **Chip Module Functionality**: The Jetson AGX Thor is described as a “robot brain” that enables developers to create advanced robotics systems.
– **Production and Supply Options**: After initial prototyping, Nvidia will offer the Thor T5000 modules for integration into production-ready robots. Bulk purchases of over 1,000 modules will be priced at $2,999 each.
– **Market Growth Prediction**: CEO Jensen Huang emphasizes that robotics is a major growth sector for Nvidia, alongside artificial intelligence, contributing to a tripling of the company’s overall sales in recent years.
– **Core Technology**: The Thor chips utilize Nvidia’s latest Blackwell graphics processor technology, which is also foundational for their AI and gaming chips.
– **Performance Metrics**: The new chips boast a performance improvement of 7.5 times over their predecessors. This enhancement supports the execution of generative AI models, including large language models and visual models, which are critical for realistic humanoid robot functionality.
– **Robust Capabilities**: With 128GB of memory, the Jetson Thor chips are adept at handling large AI models, enabling sophisticated computations necessary for advanced robotics.
– **Versatile Usage**: Besides robotics, the chips are being positioned for use in self-driving cars, especially those manufactured by Chinese companies. Nvidia’s automotive chips, named Drive AGX, are similar in architecture but utilize a specialized operating system (Drive OS) for the automotive sector.
This launch underlines the intersection between AI, robotics, and cloud computing technologies, marking a notable step for Nvidia in creating vital infrastructure for next-gen robotic applications and self-driving vehicles. The implications for security, especially in AI-driven systems, highlight the need for robust frameworks in the rapidly evolving landscape of robotics and automation technologies.