AI giant Nvidia announced a major partnership with the Pittsburgh Robotics Network to boost local manufacturing, but there were few details about what the organization expects from it. .
The company’s first Nvidia AI Tech Community will be held in Pittsburgh in partnership with Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN), Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), and the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). It promises to “intensify” computing and AI efforts to commercialize local robots, but exactly how that will happen remains up in the air.
“The real news is that PRN has been established with a broader ecosystem as part of a joint technology center with CMU and UPitt,” said David Pinto, senior public affairs manager at Nvidia. .
The initiative will launch two “joint technology centers” at CMU and Pitt in Pittsburgh, respectively. This industry-academia collaboration aims to provide AI technology to university-affiliated companies to foster innovation in the fields of autonomous systems, robotics, and intelligent systems.
While CMU’s focus will be on AI in robotics, Pitt’s work will focus on AI across the health sciences, including clinical medicine and biomanufacturing.
Nvidia’s AI Tech Community initiative also focuses on local startups already participating in the partnership program. Companies like Lovelace AI, Skild AI, and others will also have access to Nvidia technology as part of their product development.
“With Nvidia, we are well positioned to support our ecosystem and bring cutting-edge robotics solutions to market faster,” PRN Executive Director Jennifer Apicella said in a press release.
The company detailed which Nvidia technologies will be part of this effort. For example, CMU and Pitt will have access to Nvidia’s robotic learning lab, custom-generated AI services, and other enterprise software.
He did not reveal specific projects he would work with Pittsburgh organizations on, only the topics of interest.
PRN, Nvidia, Pitt, and CMU will discuss financial investment in the partnership, potential product development efforts, research project details, length of the partnership, or what Nvidia’s physical presence in the city means. did not respond to Technical.ly’s request for comment. .
Amit Goel, Nvidia’s head of robotics ecosystem, said in a press release that the project will “energize meaningful public-private partnerships to further accelerate the nation’s generative AI and robotics expertise and innovation.” Ta.
Partnership with Nvidia puts local innovation in the spotlight
NVIDIA plans to unveil its full plans at next week’s AI Horizons Summit, according to a press release for the event.
Still, even some key partners, like Pitt, have provided only brief details about their roles in the partnership.
“We’re just one of several partners,” said Chuck Finder, Pitt’s senior director of media relations. “As a nonprofit accelerator, I think it’s independent, whether it’s standalone or whatever.”
In an Nvidia press release, Rob A. Rutenbar, senior vice president for research at the University of Pittsburgh, said the partnership will help the school find new ways to translate academic advances into improved health outcomes. said.
Nvidia isn’t the first large company to lean toward Pittsburgh to ramp up its innovation efforts.
Of course, Google is a classic example of its roots in the region, such as its sign in Bakery Square, but the city also relies on a strong network of startups to boost its technological capabilities. Masu.
Additionally, authorities at all levels of government are encouraging investment. For example, Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order in 2023 outlining standards for using AI responsibly as the technology accelerates.
“While we continue to learn about new technologies, we must lean into innovation and adapt to the changing technology environment,” Shapiro said. “The Nvidia AI Tech Community is an example of how Pennsylvania is working to bring together industry leaders to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of artificial intelligence.”
