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NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang with PRN Director Jennifer Apicella. Source: Pittsburgh Robotics Network
The Pittsburgh Robotics Network today announced that it is working with NVIDIA to foster innovation and enhance connections between the commercial robotics community, academia, and research institutions. The collaborators aid they intend “to advance the growth and impact of robotics by bridging the gap between research, innovation, and the commercialization of intelligent autonomy and robotics across multiple industries.”
As part of this initiative, NVIDIA is offering its accelerated computing and artificial intelligence platforms to accelerate the development and commercialization of robotics technologies in Pittsburgh. The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company said it plans to expand its cooperation with local institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) to encourage the application of research to real-world applications, from autonomous systems to intelligent machines.
“The era of physical AI is here,” stated Amit Goel, head of robotics ecosystems at NVIDIA. “Working with the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University will jumpstart meaningful private-public collaborations to further accelerate national generative AI and robotics expertise and innovation.”
Goel will be participating in a keynote panel discussion on robotics innovation at RoboBusiness 2024 next week in Santa Clara, Calif.
NVIDIA launches AI Tech Community
NVIDIA has also launched its inaugural NVIDIA AI Tech Community in Pittsburgh, aimed at fostering public-private partnerships for AI innovation. As part of this initiative, the company plans to establish joint technology centers at CMU and Pitt to equip researchers, students, and faculty with cutting-edge AI technologies.
NVIDIA will provide the universities with access to its latest AI software and frameworks — such as NVIDIA Isaac Lab for robot learning, NVIDIA Isaac Sim for designing and testing robots, NVIDIA NeMo for custom generative AI, and NVIDIA NIM microservices, available through the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform.
The centers, slated for launch next month, will serve as hubs for research and development in areas such as autonomous systems, AI-driven robotics, and intelligent systems, said NVIDIA. It is also increasing its engagement with Pittsburgh-based members of the NVIDIA Inception program for startups and the NVIDIA Connect program for software-development companies and service providers.
Pittsburgh Robotics Network welcomes regional support
“Pittsburgh is home to a vibrant and growing robotics and AI ecosystem,” said Jennifer Apicella, executive director of the PRN. “With NVIDIA’s technical support, the Pittsburgh Robotics Network is in a stronger position than ever to continue accelerating the region’s leadership in commercializing advanced technologies.”
“With NVIDIA’s collaboration, we are better equipped to support the ecosystem and bring cutting-edge robotics solutions to market faster,” she added.
The Pittsburgh Robotics Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a world-leading robotics ecosystem in the region. By connecting businesses, investors, and academia, the PRN said it is working to promote the commercial growth and impact of robotics in the region and beyond.