At Automatica 2025, NVIDIA underlined its growing role as a driving force behind the next generation of AI-enabled robotics. Speaking with Rocking Robots, Akhil Docca of NVIDIA explained how the company is supporting a wide range of robotics developers and system integrators by providing the infrastructure, software, and simulation tools needed to accelerate innovation in the sector.
According to Docca, AI-driven robots are no longer a future aspiration—they are becoming essential. He described how NVIDIA is partnering with companies across the robotics ecosystem to help them move beyond traditional, preprogrammed automation. The current challenge, he noted, is not just a shortage of labor, but a lack of workers with the specific skills needed in modern industrial environments. This is where robotics, powered by generalized AI capabilities, comes in.
Instead of programming a robot for a single task, the new generation of robots is expected to adapt to dynamic environments and perform a range of tasks. Docca emphasized that NVIDIA’s technologies are already being integrated into various solutions, whether in the form of robotic arms requiring advanced perception for complex pick-and-place operations or software platforms that coordinate robot cells in manufacturing.
The vision extends to humanoid robots as well. Docca pointed out that most human environments—from factories to office buildings—are designed for people. That makes humanoid robots a logical next step in robotics, as they can physically navigate and operate in these spaces while mimicking human skills. Their flexibility could help alleviate workforce shortages in areas that require physical presence and decision-making.
Docca also suggested broadening the definition of what constitutes a robot. A robot doesn’t need to be a mechanical arm or mobile unit; it could be an entire building equipped with automated systems that regulate temperature or optimize energy use based on occupancy. From that perspective, robotics and AI become foundational elements of smart infrastructure and industrial operations.
NVIDIA’s approach to robotics is based on what Docca described as a “three-computer solution.” The first stage involves training the robot’s AI brain using powerful computing infrastructure. The second stage focuses on simulation, where robots can safely learn behaviors and test various scenarios before any physical deployment. This simulated environment allows developers to refine robot behavior without risk. In the final stage, the learned capabilities are deployed onto real-world robots, enabling them to operate autonomously and effectively in live environments.
With this integrated strategy, NVIDIA positions itself not just as a chipmaker or software provider, but as a comprehensive platform company. Its solutions cover the full lifecycle of robotics development—from AI training and virtual testing to real-world application—bridging the gap between research, development, and industrial deployment.
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