NVIDIA's humanoid push at Computex

Good morning, robotics enthusiasts. NVIDIA just unveiled Isaac GR00T N1.5 — the latest leap in humanoid reasoning and adaptability — alongside new synthetic tools that slash training times from months to mere days.

The breakthroughs are poised to ignite what CEO Jensen Huang calls the next industrial revolution. The question is: As humanoids become smarter, how soon before they become essential players, or disruptors, in our daily lives?

In today’s robotics rundown:

• NVIDIA’s big updates to Isaac GR00T AI

• A giant robotic centipede for precision farming

• Four-legged spider bot that crawls and flies

• The rise of robot dogs in Singapore

• Quick hits on other robotics news

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

NVIDIA

🤖 NVIDIA’s major updates to Isaac GR00T AI

The Rundown: At Computex 2025, NVIDIA announced Isaac GR00T N1.5, the first major update to its open, customizable foundation model for humanoid reasoning and skills, alongside a synthetic motion data blueprint to accelerate robot training.

The details:

• The core update in N1.5 uses a dual-system design inspired by human thinking: “System 1” for quick reactions, while “System 2” manages planning.

• The GR00T-Dreams blueprint generates synthetic motion data, allowing developers to create vast datasets of robot behaviors in simulation.

• Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics, and XPENG Robotics are already integrating these Isaac technologies to fast-track their own humanoids.

• NVIDIA also introduced its Blackwell systems, including RTX PRO 6000 workstations and servers, purpose-built for robot training and deployment.

Why it matters: These new updates allow developers to train robots on new behaviors and adapt to unfamiliar environments without relying solely on real-world data collection, which can radically fast-track humanoid development and deployment. Plus, the Blackwell systems deliver 18x greater performance for large-scale processing.

GROUND CONTROL ROBOTICS

 🍇 A giant robotic centipede for precision farming

The Rundown: Atlanta-based startup Ground Control Robotics developed a giant robotic centipede designed for precision weeding and crop monitoring, reducing the need for chemical herbicides and manual labor.

The details:

• The bot’s numerous articulated segments and legs enable it to move across rough, uneven, or cluttered terrain where traditional robots often get stuck.

• It uses a cable-driven mechanism for each segment, simplifying construction, reducing weight, and enhancing durability in harsh field conditions.

• The robot can spot-spray weeds or mechanically remove them, offering an alternative to herbicides and further supporting sustainable practices.

• Its ground-hugging form allows it to slip beneath dense foliage and trellises, making it ideal for specialty crops like berries and grapes.

Why it matters: Designed for decentralized operation, multiple bots can work together as a coordinated swarm, with the company aiming to keep the price affordable for small farms. The company is also exploring another potential use case: swarms of giant robotic centipedes on the battlefield, which is truly the stuff of nightmares.

UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO

🕷️ Four-legged spider bot that crawls and flies

The Rundown: The University of Tokyo researchers just unveiled SPIDAR, a novel hybrid robot equipped with AI sensors and vectorable rotors embedded in each link, allowing it to crawl, climb, walk, and fly.

The details:

• The bot is equipped with a vectorable thrust control system—essentially, a set of adjustable propellers that allow it to dynamically shift from walking to flying.

• SPIDAR is also equipped with a comprehensive array of sensors—including cameras, lidar, and IMUs—for detailed environmental perception and navigation.

• Onboard AI processes sensor data to autonomously select the most efficient movement mode, adapting instantly to changing terrain or obstacles.

Why it matters: SPIDAR’s sensors and AI can assess its surroundings and determine the optimal mode of movement, whether it’s flying or crawling. While more work needs to be done, this fusion of mobility modes could revolutionize search-and-rescue operations, industrial inspections, and environmental monitoring.

SINGAPORE

🦴 The rise of robot dogs in Singapore

The Rundown: In the gleaming city-state of Singapore, robot dogs are reportedly fast becoming an everyday sight, with growing numbers guarding bus depots, patrolling construction sites, and even guiding the visually impaired through public spaces.

The details:

• Singapore’s investment in R&D and public-private collaboration is positioning the nation as a model for smart city robotics adoption.

• The bots are equipped with LiDAR, cameras, microphones, and tactile feedback systems to navigate complex urban environments.

• Some robot dogs are being piloted as mobility aids for the visually impaired, using voice prompts and haptic feedback to guide users through public areas.

• On construction sites, robot dogs can access hazardous areas, monitor structural integrity, and provide real-time data to project managers.

Why it matters: The number of robotics firms in Singapore has grown by 50% since 2023. As robot dogs move from novelty to necessity, Singapore is poised to become a global leader in the practical integration of robotics into daily life, raising intriguing questions about the future of human-robot coexistence in smart cities.

QUICK HITS

📰 Everything else in robotics today

Beijing analysts predict that humanoid prices dropping below $35K threatens 123M jobs in China, with 70% of these jobs likely to be replaced within the next decade.

K-Scale Labs, a Silicon Valley-based startup, released its open-source stack for its K-Bot humanoid, priced at $9K, with deliveries slated for July.

China’s Huaneng Group deployed the world’s largest fleet of autonomous electric mining trucks—over 100 hauling trucks—at the Yimin coal plant in Inner Mongolia.

Tesla posted a video of its Full Self-Driving system navigating the complex Arc de Triomphe roundabout in Paris, as it prepares for the robotaxi launch in Austin.

Unitree robots are training for the world’s first MMA-style “Mech Combat Arena,“ with humanoids fighting in the ring, to be broadcast in China this month.

China’s massive Jiu Tian SS-UAV autonomous drone, capable of high-altitude flights with a 1,000 kg payload, is slated for its maiden flight in June.

Seven-Eleven Japan launched the first public road trial of two autonomous delivery robots, developed by LOMBY and Suzuki, in Hachioji, western Tokyo.

Dubai-based Lumasky set a new record by using 9K drones in a light show celebrating the opening of Disneyland Abu Dhabi.

Boston Dynamics and LG Innotek are partnering to give humanoids better eyes by developing advanced vision systems for the Atlas robot.

UK researchers developed an octopus robot featuring a suction system that allows it to sense its environment and adjust its grip to handle delicate objects.

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Rowan, Jennifer, and Joey—The Rundown’s editorial team