Get ready to share your workplace with a new colleague – a robot co-worker, that is. NVIDIA, the leading innovator in graphics processing units (GPUs), has just unveiled Project GR00T, a groundbreaking initiative designed to develop the core artificial intelligence (AI) technology that will drive the next generation of humanoid robots.

Project GR00T goes beyond the factory robots of today. Imagine robots that can perform a wide range of tasks, from helping in warehouses and construction sites to assisting in hospitals and even our homes.  Nicknamed after the beloved superhero Groot, perhaps as a nod to its potential for growth, GR00T stands for “General-purpose foundation model.”

Here’s what makes Project GR00T unique:

• Trained in Virtual Bootcamps:  Forget the days of robots needing extensive programming for every task. GR00T will be trained in sophisticated computer simulations designed by NVIDIA.  These virtual environments will allow robots to safely practice and learn complex skills before ever stepping foot in the real world.
• Learning by Watching:  Just like humans, robots can learn from observation. Project GR00T incorporates imitation learning, enabling robots to acquire new skills by watching human demonstrations. This simplifies the process of teaching robots new tasks, making them more adaptable to different situations.
• Trial and Error for Robots:  Learning by doing is a fundamental part of human development, and GR00T embraces this concept as well. NVIDIA’s Isaac Lab platform provides a framework for robots to learn through trial and error in a safe, simulated environment. Imagine a robot chef constantly refining its skills in a virtual kitchen, mimicking how we learn through experience.
• Seeing is Doing:  Project GR00T leverages video data processing to translate visual information into practical actions. By analyzing vast amounts of video data, robots can learn to perform tasks they haven’t been explicitly programmed for.  Think of a robot gardener learning how to care for different plants by watching hours of gardening videos.

Project GR00T signifies a significant advancement in NVIDIA’s robotics endeavors. This announcement coincides with the unveiling of a new Jetson computer specifically designed for the power requirements of humanoid robots and upgrades to their Isaac robotics platform.

With Project GR00T leading the charge, NVIDIA is paving the way for a future filled with intelligent robots that can not only perform specific tasks but also learn, adapt, and work alongside humans. The future of robotics is rapidly approaching, and NVIDIA’s GR00T project is at the forefront of this exciting revolution.