Nvidia is betting on a Chinese humanoid robotic startup as physical AI push accelerates

Nvidia has made a significant move in the robotics sector by partnering with the Chinese humanoid robot manufacturer Unitree. This collaboration marks the introduction of a new robotics system aimed at researchers from prestigious institutions such as Stanford and ETH Zurich. The system integrates Unitree's impressive H2 humanoid robot, standing nearly six feet tall, with Nvidia's advanced Jetson Thor hardware, featuring the powerful Blackwell GPU designed for on-device AI applications. The newly announced robot testing package also includes Nvidia's AI models focused on humanoid robotics, known as Isaac GR00T, along with various simulation systems. The H2 robot is equipped with mechanical hands developed by Singapore-based Sharpa, showcasing the intricate design and engineering involved in its creation. According to PitchBook, Unitree has secured backing from Qiming Venture Partners, illustrating the growing interest in this innovative sector. Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, highlighted the potential of 'physical AI' to evolve into a multi-trillion-dollar market. He expressed optimism about the rapid growth anticipated in the robotics field over the next five years. During a keynote speech in Taipei, Huang introduced the Nvidia Isaac Root, a fully integrated humanoid robot featuring 25 degrees of freedom in each hand and 31 degrees of freedom overall. Weighing 150 pounds and designed for accessibility, this platform utilizes the new Thor software and encompasses a complete suite of data generation and simulation tools, tailored specifically for higher education and university researchers. Huang emphasized the challenges faced by researchers in building such technology independently. This initiative also signifies Nvidia's growing footprint in robotics software development, leveraging its established position in AI computing through the widely utilized CUDA software platform. The announcement coincides with Unitree's plans to raise 4.2 billion yuan (approximately $620 million) through an IPO on Shanghai's STAR board, which is set for review. Interestingly, Unitree has noted that over 40% of its revenue is already generated from international markets. The upgraded version of the H2 robot, known as H2 Plus, is slated for release in October, with accessibility promised for all interested buyers. Rev Lebaredian, Nvidia's vice president of physical AI simulation, remarked that this effort aims to democratize humanoid research, making it available to a broader range of laboratories rather than being confined to major tech companies and AI startups. At least four research institutions, including Ai2 in Seattle and the Stanford Robotics Center, have already expressed their intention to utilize the H2 Plus humanoid robot in their projects.