AI-powered humanoid robots are closer than we think, says Nvidia exec

The next wave of AI will come in the form of robots, experts predict

Features By Craig Hale published 26 October 2024

The key to AI deployment in the modern world is robotics, claims one Nvidia exec who envisions humanoid machines walking alongside us in the not-too-distant future.

Speaking at the recent 2024 World Congress on Innovation and Technology event in Armenia, Rev Lebaredian, VP of Omniverse and Simulation Technology at Nvidia, predicted that, like electric cars, AI-powered humanoid robots will soon become affordable enough to reside in everyday homes and workplaces.

“They have to be humanoid, or humanoid-like,” he added.

Robots at work

In his talk, Lebaredian explained the humanoid form factor is crucial to the successful deployment of robotics in order for them to coexist in a world built exclusively for humans.

The rationale behind this concept is rooted in the physical design of the world around us – factories, warehouses, offices, hospitals and other public spaces are all structured for human movement and activity. Rather than rebuilding a world suitable for computers, Lebaredian says that processor-brained beings should instead be tailored to existing infrastructure.

While other types of specialized robots will still have their place, humanoids will offer the versatility to perform a wide range of tasks already optimized for human use, he added, noting some human-like features may not be necessary, for example a robot operating in a single-storey factory may be more cost-effective when built with wheels rather than legs, but human-like movement still plays an important role.

For example, humanoids could stock shelves in a retail store or handle logistics in a warehouse.

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