Enabling humanoid robots with precise motion and efficiency

Infineon Technologies AG is accelerating the development of humanoid robotics with NVIDIA technology. This integration combines its expertise in MCUs, sensors, and smart actuators with the cutting-edge NVIDIA Jetson Thor Series modules, enabling OEMs and ODMs to create more efficient, powerful, and scalable motor control solutions for humanoid robotics. Humanoid robots are increasingly deployed in multiple important areas, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, where they demand efficient and reliable solutions for precise motion.

"We are excited to collaborate with NVIDIA, a leader and innovator in the humanoid robotics space," said Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon Technologies. "By combining our microcontroller, sensor, and smart actuator expertise with NVIDIA accelerated computing technology, we will deliver a simple, integrated, and scalable solution to our customers, reducing their time to market significantly. Infineon enables the key functional blocks in humanoid robots with a broad portfolio of dedicated products and technologies – from power switches to microcontrollers, sensors and connectivity. We empower humanoid robots to sense, move, act and connect. Safe and secure."

"NVIDIA Jetson Thor is designed to accelerate the future of physical AI and robotics," said Deepu Talla, vice president of Robotics and Edge AI at NVIDIA. "Infineon is bringing its broad product and technology portfolio to the Jetson Thor ecosystem to help accelerate customers' time-to-market by creating more efficient, powerful and scalable motor control solutions for humanoid robots."

Infineon offers a comprehensive suite of dedicated solutions for humanoid robots, including the MCU families PSOC and AURIX, which deliver industry-leading security to protect against cyberattacks and unauthorised access. The MCUs offer multi-core real-time processing capabilities essential for creating safe, responsive, and adaptive robotic systems. As the world leader in automotive MCUs, the company has a long-standing experience in critical applications, ensuring safety and reliability in high-end, precise motion solutions. With its latest acquisition of Marvell's Automotive Ethernet business, it has further expanded its portfolio with the BRIGHTLANE series, offering high-speed Ethernet capabilities – a key element for humanoid robots.

Real-time AI and Control is critical to general robotics. As part of the collaboration, the company provides its PSOC Control C3 family of MCUs, which integrate seamlessly with the NVIDIA Holoscan Sensor Bridge to the NVIDIA Jetson Thor series modules – a platform for physical AI and humanoid robotics, providing real-time reasoning performance and scalability. PSOC Control devices are ideal for implementing so-called FoC algorithms, which are widely employed for precise motor control due to their ability to reduce noise and provide stable torque output, thereby decreasing vibrations in humanoid system designs. Additionally, the company offers a comprehensive motor control chip set, featuring its latest transistor technology based on GaN for high-density and high-efficiency motor control solutions. The integration of its gate drivers and current sensors helps control communication and design challenges in humanoid robotics, allowing developers to focus on creating innovative solutions.

Through this initiative, Infineon is spearheading further advancements in humanoid robotics, facilitating the creation of more sophisticated robots that can perform complex tasks with precision and accuracy.