"A Fundamentally Different Era Is Coming"... Nvidia Expands AI and Robotics Domains

NVIDIA AI Festival 'GTC 2024'
Keynote Speech by CEO Jensen Huang
Unveils New AI Chip 'Blackwell'
Announces Plans to Expand Robotics Business

NVIDIA, at the center of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, unveiled its next-generation AI semiconductor 'Blackwell' series. The company also concretized plans to introduce various platforms across industries that require AI applications in line with rapid technological advancements. In particular, NVIDIA introduced dedicated chipsets and platforms to expand its recently spotlighted robotics business.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, detailed these business plans on the 18th (local time) at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, USA. In his keynote speech at NVIDIA's annual AI developer conference 'GTC 2024,' he stated, "A fundamentally different era is coming," and publicly revealed the new Blackwell products for the first time.

Blackwell is the successor to the Hopper architecture released two years ago. The Blackwell graphics processing units (GPUs) unveiled that day include the B100 and its upgraded version, the B200. There is also the GB200, which combines two B200 GPUs with a central processing unit (CPU). CEO Jensen Huang predicted, "There will be a need for more and larger GPUs in the future," adding, "Various companies will be able to easily transition from the existing Hopper to the Blackwell architecture."

CEO Jensen Huang also emphasized the need to accelerate change by applying the AI-based digital twin form of the Omniverse platform across various industries. A digital twin refers to constructing a virtual world that mirrors the real world. He said, "Design, manufacturing, simulation, and operation must all be done completely digitally," and introduced companies applying Omniverse such as HD Hyundai, Nissan, Apple, and BYD.

At the end of the event, various robots made a surprise appearance, capturing the audience's attention. NVIDIA has upgraded the processors applied to the robot brain and the Omniverse-based robot learning platform with AI to expand its robotics business. CEO Jensen Huang stated, "Everything that moves will become a robot in the future," and added, "Digital twin platforms will be needed in manufacturing plants, farms, and other places with robots."