NXP has unveiled an integrated solution for robots in collaboration with NVIDIA. The key feature of this product is its design, which enables robots to process information received from multiple sensors in real time and rapidly transmit it to actuators and a central computing unit. The configuration targets the low-latency communication and stable control environments required for next-generation physical AI systems, including humanoids.

NXP announced on the 18th that this solution is the first product in its robotics solution series. Available in an immediately deployable form, this product was developed by combining NXP's highly integrated SoC with NVIDIA's Holoscan sensor bridge. The focus is on reducing the number of individual components and lowering software complexity in robot sensing and actuation processes.

Technically, it is characterized by a design that allows data generated from the robot body to move more directly to a central computing area. NXP has enabled real-time secure communication based on edge processing and low-latency networking, and has enabled a real-time processing structure by integrating NVIDIA's sensor bridge with its own software environment. This process aimed to reduce latency and lower the development burden of AI systems that require immediate judgment in a physical environment.

This solution includes a machine vision configuration that transmits high-bandwidth data to the robot brain, as well as a motor control configuration responsible for drivetrain control. The machine vision is based on the i.MX 95 application processor, while the motor control is designed to connect directly to the central system using an i.MX RT1180 crossover MCU and an S32J TSN switch. It also supports industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT and TSN.

The scope of application is not limited to humanoid robots. It is explained that there is potential for use in industrial robots, autonomous machines, and machine vision equipment that require simultaneous processing of multiple sensors or precise control and stable communication. In particular, demand is expected to continue in the field of humanoid robots, where full-body motion synchronization is required, as the importance of real-time data processing and secure communication is growing.

The industry views this collaboration as an example of the trend toward more integrated robot system architectures. This is because connecting central AI computing, field control, networking, and functional safety technologies within a single framework is essential to accelerate commercialization. The partnership between NXP and NVIDIA is interpreted as an attempt to reduce the complexity of the robot development process while establishing a scalable foundation.