Ready-made brains
Robotic dogwalkers, sure … But robot yoga? … And we can’t sing either.
A breakthrough last week might just do to robotics what ChatGPT did to software.
Get set for humanoid robots with ready-made brains.
The artificial intelligence computing company Nvidia just moved us closer to that reality by unveiling its groundbreaking foundational model, GR00T N1, at the GPU Technology Conference this month.
If the promise of the Nvidia model holds true, these robots will be able to effortlessly learn new tasks, quickly adapt to unpredictable challenges and step in to fill any global labor demand.
In other words, GR00T N1 could be a tipping point that finally empowers robots to both think and act effectively in real-world situations.
Over the next few years, you’re probably going to see robots strolling our streets, walking pets, managing household chores, aiding factory workers, or assisting the elderly.
And it won’t just be Nvidia robots running around. As an open-source model, GR00T N1 essentially offers any robotics manufacturer a ready-made “brain.”
The unveiling last week was met with as much enthusiasm as you might expect. Companies are already promising to ship over 100,000 humanoid robots within five years.
The real question now isn't whether humanoid robots are coming, but rather: Are we actually prepared for their arrival?
Reinventing a rivalry
The concept of ‘automata’ dates back centuries, as early as Leonardo da Vinci's 15th-century design of a mechanical knight capable of human-like movements.
Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and we see the emergence of Unimate, the first programmable robot, which assisted in industrial tasks such as lifting heavy metal pieces in a General Motors factory in New Jersey.
The early 2000s introduced a robot you’re probably familiar with: the Roomba, an autonomous vacuum cleaner that brought robotics into households, finally doing something useful for us regular chore-swamped folks.
In the 2010s, Boston Dynamics' Spot, a quadruped robot, showcased advanced mobility and adaptability.
Today, companies like Unitree are pushing boundaries with humanoid robots like the G1, which can perform complex actions that require remarkable agility and balance, including kung fu moves.
But in the case of GR00T N1, it isn't just a technological milestone; it's also intensifying an ongoing global robotics arms race, with the United States and China at the forefront.
Both nations recognize that leadership in robotics isn't merely about prestige. It carries profound economic, military and geopolitical implications.
China has already laid out ambitious plans and they’re funneling billions of dollars into AI and automation technologies. Their goal is to become the global leader in robotics innovation and production by 2030.
Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to leverage its tech giants like Nvidia, Google DeepMind and Boston Dynamics to drive rapid advancements and maintain its competitive edge.
The ultimate winner won’t simply dominate markets; they’ll set the standards, norms, and rules shaping the future of robotics for decades.
Where do we go from here?
The question on everyone's mind as robots grow smarter, more capable, and, let’s face it, slightly intimidating, is, "Will they replace me?"
The honest answer: It depends.
Historically, automation has disrupted jobs but also created entirely new fields. Think about how computers revolutionized work in the late 20th century.
GR00T N1, and humanoid robots powered by similar advanced models, might follow a similar path. Jobs that are repetitive, physically demanding, or dangerous – like warehouse logistics, manufacturing, or even eldercare – are prime candidates for automation.
Yet, the emergence of humanoid robots also promises to create millions of new roles focused on robot management, programming, ethical oversight and robot-human collaboration.
The trick won’t necessarily be competing against robots but learning how to work alongside them.
Rather than thinking of them as replacements, perhaps it’s time we start viewing them as co-workers.
The emergence of powerful AI-driven robotics like GR00T N1 marks a pivotal shift, not just technologically, but socially and economically.
And that means policymakers will need to deal with a future where humanoid robots fundamentally reshape our workforce, public services and daily lives.
Here are just a few of the critical questions legislators will have to grapple with:
What minimum standards are needed for robot deployments to begin?
Will officials dig into the details, or just stick with vague standards? Such as, how does the government vet private vendors before a pilot program?
How do we collect clear signals and data on these deployments and how they affect the job market?
The answers will determine whether this robotic revolution becomes a societal boon or a source of inequality and unrest.
The robots are coming faster than most realize, and the time for policymakers to set thoughtful guardrails isn't later, it's right now.
It’s an exciting time to be alive. And we’re excited to give an intellectual helping hand to policymakers as they set those guardrails.
Robots will need yoga, too: MIT engineers have developed a method to grow artificial muscle tissue that flexes in multiple directions, mimicking natural muscle movements. This advancement could lead to the development of soft, wiggly robots capable of more natural and versatile movements, expanding the potential applications of robotics in various fields.
Some will be adorable: Disney is collaborating with Nvidia and Google DeepMind to develop Newton, a new physics engine aimed at enhancing its next-gen robotic characters. At Nvidia's GTC 2025, CEO Jensen Huang introduced “Blue,” an endearing robot created by Disney Research, showcasing the company's commitment to integrating advanced robotics into its theme parks.
Won’t you build me a Mercedes-Benz?: In a move toward advanced automation, Mercedes-Benz has invested in Texas-based robotics firm Apptronik and is testing its humanoid robot, Apollo, in manufacturing settings. These robots are being evaluated for tasks such as transporting components and conducting quality checks, aiming to handle repetitive and hazardous duties, especially in areas facing labor shortages.
And a BMW, while you’re at it: California-based startup Figure AI is making significant strides in the humanoid robotics arena. The company unveiled its latest model, Figure 02, which is designed to perform a wide range of manual tasks. In partnership with BMW, Figure AI has deployed these robots in the Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant, where they assist in automobile assembly tasks such as inserting sheet metal parts into assembly fixtures. Figure AI plans to ship up to 100,000 humanoid robots over the next four years, targeting applications in manufacturing, logistics and warehousing.
Kung fu hustle: In a fascinating development, humanoid robots are being trained to perform complex physical activities, including martial arts like kung fu. This advancement showcases the robots' improved agility, balance and coordination, reflecting significant progress in robotic learning and physical capability. Such developments not only highlight the potential for robots to undertake physically demanding tasks but also open new avenues for their integration into various sectors requiring dexterous and adaptive machines.
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