Nvidia and Unitree have announced a collaboration to develop the H2 Plus humanoid robot, combining advanced hardware and software. The robot features a 6-foot, 150-pound body from Unitree, a Thor T5000 Nvidia chip, and a new software suite designed to simplify programming and training. This partnership aims to empower researchers and academic labs with tools to build and train cutting-edge humanoid robots. The Thor chip enables powerful AI models, allowing the robot to interpret its environment and control its movements, while Unitree’s motors and sensors provide physical capabilities. The robot’s dexterous hand, developed by Sharpa, can perform tasks like card tricks and peeling an apple, addressing a major challenge in robotics.
The collaboration highlights the growing intersection of US and Chinese tech efforts in robotics. Nvidia’s Spencer Huang, director of product for robotics, emphasized the company’s intent to support as many humanoid companies as possible, noting that Unitree is the first but not the last. The partnership also includes security features aimed at addressing concerns about data transmission and model safety. Nvidia’s chips are the gold standard for training large AI models, though the US government restricts their sale to China. Last year, security researchers raised concerns about Unitree’s robots potentially capturing and transmitting data, underscoring the need for robust security measures.
The H2 Plus project reflects broader geopolitical dynamics in robotics. Scott Singer, a Carnegie Endowment fellow, noted that while the US leads in AI chips, China’s supply chain offers a hardware advantage. He argued that collaboration between the two nations could be strategic, despite existing tensions. Unitree’s robots are already popular due to their affordability and ease of programming, with a base model priced at $15,000, significantly lower than competitors. However, some experts warn against allowing Chinese companies to dominate the market, citing risks similar to those faced in the drone industry with DJI.
Source: wired
