In 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) has made spectacular advances, particularly in the development of autonomous robots. From cleaning oceans to performing surgical tasks, robots powered by NVIDIA technology have left their mark in diverse sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and medical science. Here, we explore some of the most notable innovations.
Clearbot: Autonomous Ocean Cleaning
Clearbot, a startup based in Hong Kong and India, has developed autonomous boats to collect trash in the oceans. Equipped with the NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX system, these robots use cameras and AI models to identify and collect waste. With plastic making up 85% of marine debris, Clearbot aims to prevent this pollution from reaching the seas, operating for up to eight continuous hours on high-efficiency energy batteries.
Figure 02: The Next-Generation Humanoid Robot
The Silicon Valley-based company, Figure, has unveiled its humanoid robot Figure 02. This robot utilizes NVIDIA Omniverse and Isaac Sim to perform tasks autonomously with precision, such as object manipulation on production lines. Thanks to advanced RGB cameras and AI models trained with synthetic data, Figure 02 has already been tested at BMW’s facilities in South Carolina, demonstrating its potential in smart manufacturing applications.
ORBIT-Surgical: Smarter Surgical Robots
The simulation framework ORBIT-Surgical, developed by researchers from institutions like the University of Toronto and NVIDIA, trains robots to assist in minimally invasive surgeries. Based on NVIDIA Isaac Sim, this system supports high-precision surgical tasks, such as moving needles or inserting medical devices, helping to reduce the cognitive load on surgeons while improving operational efficiency.
Zordi: Sustainable Autonomous Agriculture
In the agricultural sector, the U.S. startup Zordi is using autonomous robots to grow strawberries indoors. With AI systems powered by NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin, Zordi employs robots to monitor plant health and sustainably harvest fruits. This approach reduces transportation emissions by bringing production closer to local markets while ensuring fresh, high-quality products.
Key Innovations from NVIDIA Research in 2024
Edify 3D: 3D Object Generation
NVIDIA launched Edify 3D, a foundational model that enables developers to quickly create 3D objects using text or image prompts. This tool is ideal for designers looking to conceptualize virtual environments or prototypes for video games and simulations.
Fugatto: AI-Generated Music and Sounds
Fugatto is a generative model that transforms music, voices, and sounds using text or audio prompts. From modifying emotions in voice recordings to creating customized music tracks, this model promises to revolutionize multimedia content production.
StormCast: High-Resolution Weather Prediction
In the field of climate science, NVIDIA introduced StormCast, a generative AI model that provides atmospheric predictions with a 3-kilometer resolution and hourly accuracy. Trained with NOAA data, it outperforms traditional weather models, providing more precise and useful information for climate planning.
Impact on the Future of Robotics and AI
The convergence of AI and robotics is accelerating unprecedented developments, from sustainable agriculture to surgical automation. These advancements are not only transforming industries but also setting a new standard in sustainability and efficiency.
With technologies such as NVIDIA Jetson, Omniverse, and their foundational models, the company continues to lead innovation in AI and robotics. The future promises more exciting breakthroughs, with applications ranging from autonomous vehicles to personalized health assistants.
The technological revolution is underway, and NVIDIA is at the heart of this change, building a bridge to a future where AI and robots work in harmony to enhance human life.
via: Nvidia blog