In the face of growing labor shortages and need for sustainability, European manufacturers are racing to reinvent their processes to become software-defined and AI-driven. To achieve this, robot developers and industrial digitalization solution providers are working with NVIDIA to build safe, AI-driven robots and industrial technologies to drive modern, sustainable manufacturing. At NVIDIA GTC Paris at VivaTech, Europe’s leading robotics companies including Agile Robots, Extend Robotics, Humanoid, idealworks, Neura Robotics, SICK, Universal Robots, Vorwerk and Wandelbots are showcasing their latest AI-driven robots and automation breakthroughs, all accelerated by NVIDIA technologies. In addition, NVIDIA is releasing new models and tools to support the entire robotics ecosystem. NVIDIA Releases Tools for Accelerating Robot Development and Safety NVIDIA Isaac GR00T N1.5, an open foundation model for humanoid robot reasoning and skills, is now available for download on Hugging Face. This update enhances the model’s adaptability and ability to follow instructions, significantly improving its performance in material handling and manufacturing tasks. The NVIDIA Isaac Sim 5.0 and Isaac Lab 2.2 open-source robotics simulation and learning frameworks, optimized for NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 workstations, are available on GitHub for developer preview. In addition, NVIDIA announced that NVIDIA Halos — a full-stack, comprehensive safety system that unifies hardware architecture, AI models, software, tools and services — now expands to robotics, promoting safety across the entire development lifecycle of AI-driven robots. The NVIDIA Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab has earned accreditation from the ANSI National Accreditation Boardto perform inspections across functional safety for robotics, in addition to automotive vehicles. “NVIDIA’s latest evaluation with ANAB verifies the demonstration of competence and compliance with internationally recognized standards, helping ensure that developers of autonomous machines — from automotive to robotics — can meet the highest benchmarks for functional safety,” said R. Douglas Leonard Jr., executive director of ANAB. Arcbest, Advantech, Bluewhite, Boston Dynamics, FORT, Inxpect, KION, NexCobot — a NEXCOM company, and Synapticon are among the first robotics companies to join the Halos Inspection Lab, ensuring their products meet NVIDIA safety and cybersecurity requirements. To support robotics leaders in strengthening safety across the entire development lifecycle of AI-driven robots, Halos will now provide: Safety extension packages for the NVIDIA IGX platform, enabling manufacturers to easily program safety functions into their robots, supported by TÜV Rheinland’s inspection of NVIDIA IGX. A robotic safety platform, which includes IGX and NVIDIA Holoscan Sensor Bridge for a unified approach to designing sensor-to-compute architecture with built-in AI safety. An outside-in safety AI inspector — an AI-powered agent for monitoring robot operations, helping improve worker safety. Europe’s Robotics Ecosystem Builds on NVIDIA’s Three Computers Europe’s leading robotics developers and solution providers are integrating the NVIDIA Isaac robotics platform to train, simulate and deploy robots across different embodiments. Agile Robots is post-training the GR00T N1 model in Isaac Lab to train its dual-arm manipulator robots, which run on NVIDIA Jetson hardware, to execute a variety of tasks in industrial environments. Meanwhile, idealworks has adopted the Mega NVIDIA Omniverse Blueprint for robotic fleet simulation to extend the blueprint’s capabilities to humanoids. Building on the VDA 5050 framework, idealworks contributes to the development of guidance that supports tasks uniquely enabled by humanoid robots, such as picking, moving and placing objects. Neura Robotics is integrating NVIDIA Isaac to further enhance its robot development workflows. The company is using GR00T-Mimic to post-train the Isaac GR00T N1 robot foundation model for its service robot MiPA. Neura is also collaborating with SAP and NVIDIA to integrate SAP’s Joule agents with its robots, using the Mega NVIDIA Omniverse Blueprint to simulate and refine robot behavior in complex, realistic operational scenarios before deployment. Vorwerk is using NVIDIA technologies to power its AI-driven collaborative robots. The company is post-training GR00T N1 models in Isaac Lab with its custom synthetic data pipeline, which is built on Isaac GR00T-Mimic and powered by the NVIDIA Omniverse platform. The enhanced models are then deployed on NVIDIA Jetson AGX, Jetson Orin or Jetson Thor modules for advanced, real-time home robotics. Humanoid is using NVIDIA’s full robotics stack, including Isaac Sim and Isaac Lab, to cut its prototyping time down by six weeks. The company is training its vision language action models on NVIDIA DGX B200 systems to boost the cognitive abilities of its robots, allowing them to operate autonomously in complex environments using Jetson Thor onboard computing. Universal Robots is introducing UR15, its fastest collaborative robot yet, to the European market. Using UR’s AI Accelerator — developed on NVIDIA Isaac’s CUDA-accelerated libraries and AI models, as well as NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin — manufacturers can build AI applications to embed intelligence into the company’s new cobots. Wandelbots is showcasing its NOVA Operating System, now integrated with Omniverse, to simulate, validate and optimize robotic behaviors virtually before deploying them to physical robots. Wandelbots also announced a collaboration with EY and EDAG to offer manufacturers a scalable automation platform on Omniverse that speeds up the transition from proof of concept to full-scale deployment. Extend Robotics is using the Isaac GR00T platform to enable customers to control and train robots for industrial tasks like visual inspection and handling radioactive materials. The company’s Advanced Mechanics Assistance System lets users collect demonstration data and generate diverse synthetic datasets with NVIDIA GR00T-Mimic and GR00T-Gen to train the GR00T N1 foundation model. SICK is enhancing its autonomous perception solutions by integrating new certified sensor models — as well as 2D and 3D lidars, safety scanners and cameras — into NVIDIA Isaac Sim. This enables engineers to virtually design, test and validate machines using SICK’s sensing models within Omniverse, supporting processes spanning product development to large-scale robotic fleet management. Toyota Material Handling Europe is working with SoftServe to simulate its autonomous mobile robots working alongside human workers, using the Mega NVIDIA Omniverse Blueprint. Toyota Material Handling Europe is testing and simulating a multitude of traffic scenarios — allowing the company to refine its AI algorithms before real-world deployment. NVIDIA’s partner ecosystem is enabling European industries to tap into intelligent, AI-powered robotics. By harnessing advanced simulation, digital twins and generative AI, manufacturers are rapidly developing and deploying safe, adaptable robot fleets that address labor shortages, boost sustainability and drive operational efficiency. Watch the NVIDIA GTC Paris keynote from NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang at VivaTech, and explore GTC Paris sessions. See notice regarding software product information. #european #robot #makers #adopt #nvidia

The Joybird Eliot Sleeper Sofa is marketed as a "gorgeous and functional" addition to your home, but let's be real—this couch is a disaster waiting to happen! How can you call something customizable when it doesn’t even deliver on comfort? It looks pretty, but once you sit on it, you realize that aesthetics don’t make up for poor design and lackluster support. The hype around this sleeper sofa is nothing but a facade to distract from its glaring flaws. People deserve furniture that combines beauty with functionality, not this overhyped piece of junk! Enough is enough; we need to demand better! #JoybirdFail #SleeperSofa #FurnitureDisaster #HomeDesign #ConsumerRights

As a global labor shortage leaves 50 million positions unfilled across industries like manufacturing and logistics, Hexagon — a global leader in measurement technologies — is developing humanoid robots that can lend a helping hand. Industrial sectors depend on skilled workers to perform a variety of error-prone tasks, including operating high-precision scanners for reality capture — the process of capturing digital data to replicate the real world in simulation. At the Hexagon LIVE Global conference, Hexagon’s robotics division today unveiled AEON — a new humanoid robot built in collaboration with NVIDIA that’s engineered to perform a wide range of industrial applications, from manipulation and asset inspection to reality capture and operator support. Hexagon plans to deploy AEON across automotive, transportation, aerospace, manufacturing, warehousing and logistics. Future use cases for AEON include: Reality capture, which involves automatic planning and then scanning of assets, industrial spaces and environments to generate 3D models. The captured data is then used for advanced visualization and collaboration in the Hexagon Digital Realityplatform powering Hexagon Reality Cloud Studio. Manipulation tasks, such as sorting and moving parts in various industrial and manufacturing settings. Part inspection, which includes checking parts for defects or ensuring adherence to specifications. Industrial operations, including highly dexterous technical tasks like machinery operations, teleoperation and scanning parts using high-end scanners. “The age of general-purpose robotics has arrived, due to technological advances in simulation and physical AI,” said Deepu Talla, vice president of robotics and edge AI at NVIDIA. “Hexagon’s new AEON humanoid embodies the integration of NVIDIA’s three-computer robotics platform and is making a significant leap forward in addressing industry-critical challenges.” Using NVIDIA’s Three Computers to Develop AEON  To build AEON, Hexagon used NVIDIA’s three computers for developing and deploying physical AI systems. They include AI supercomputers to train and fine-tune powerful foundation models; the NVIDIA Omniverse platform, running on NVIDIA OVX servers, for testing and optimizing these models in simulation environments using real and physically based synthetic data; and NVIDIA IGX Thor robotic computers to run the models. Hexagon is exploring using NVIDIA accelerated computing to post-train the NVIDIA Isaac GR00T N1.5 open foundation model to improve robot reasoning and policies, and tapping Isaac GR00T-Mimic to generate vast amounts of synthetic motion data from a few human demonstrations. AEON learns many of its skills through simulations powered by the NVIDIA Isaac platform. Hexagon uses NVIDIA Isaac Sim, a reference robotic simulation application built on Omniverse, to simulate complex robot actions like navigation, locomotion and manipulation. These skills are then refined using reinforcement learning in NVIDIA Isaac Lab, an open-source framework for robot learning. This simulation-first approach enabled Hexagon to fast-track its robotic development, allowing AEON to master core locomotion skills in just 2-3 weeks — rather than 5-6 months — before real-world deployment. In addition, AEON taps into NVIDIA Jetson Orin onboard computers to autonomously move, navigate and perform its tasks in real time, enhancing its speed and accuracy while operating in complex and dynamic environments. Hexagon is also planning to upgrade AEON with NVIDIA IGX Thor to enable functional safety for collaborative operation. “Our goal with AEON was to design an intelligent, autonomous humanoid that addresses the real-world challenges industrial leaders have shared with us over the past months,” said Arnaud Robert, president of Hexagon’s robotics division. “By leveraging NVIDIA’s full-stack robotics and simulation platforms, we were able to deliver a best-in-class humanoid that combines advanced mechatronics, multimodal sensor fusion and real-time AI.” Data Comes to Life Through Reality Capture and Omniverse Integration  AEON will be piloted in factories and warehouses to scan everything from small precision parts and automotive components to large assembly lines and storage areas. Captured data comes to life in RCS, a platform that allows users to collaborate, visualize and share reality-capture data by tapping into HxDR and NVIDIA Omniverse running in the cloud. This removes the constraint of local infrastructure. “Digital twins offer clear advantages, but adoption has been challenging in several industries,” said Lucas Heinzle, vice president of research and development at Hexagon’s robotics division. “AEON’s sophisticated sensor suite enables the integration of reality data capture with NVIDIA Omniverse, streamlining workflows for our customers and moving us closer to making digital twins a mainstream tool for collaboration and innovation.” AEON’s Next Steps By adopting the OpenUSD framework and developing on Omniverse, Hexagon can generate high-fidelity digital twins from scanned data — establishing a data flywheel to continuously train AEON. This latest work with Hexagon is helping shape the future of physical AI — delivering scalable, efficient solutions to address the challenges faced by industries that depend on capturing real-world data. Watch the Hexagon LIVE keynote, explore presentations and read more about AEON. All imagery courtesy of Hexagon. #hexagon #taps #nvidia #robotics #software

Project G-Assist — available through the NVIDIA App — is an experimental AI assistant that helps tune, control and optimize NVIDIA GeForce RTX systems. NVIDIA’s Plug and Play: Project G-Assist Plug-In Hackathon — running virtually through Wednesday, July 16 — invites the community to explore AI and build custom G-Assist plug-ins for a chance to win prizes and be featured on NVIDIA social media channels. G-Assist allows users to control their RTX GPU and other system settings using natural language, thanks to a small language model that runs on device. It can be used from the NVIDIA Overlay in the NVIDIA App without needing to tab out or switch programs. Users can expand its capabilities via plug-ins and even connect it to agentic frameworks such as Langflow. Below, find popular G-Assist plug-ins, hackathon details and tips to get started. Plug-In and Win Join the hackathon by registering and checking out the curated technical resources. G-Assist plug-ins can be built in several ways, including with Python for rapid development, with C++ for performance-critical apps and with custom system interactions for hardware and operating system automation. For those that prefer vibe coding, the G-Assist Plug-In Builder — a ChatGPT-based app that allows no-code or low-code development with natural language commands — makes it easy for enthusiasts to start creating plug-ins. To submit an entry, participants must provide a GitHub repository, including source code file, requirements.txt, manifest.json, config.json, a plug-in executable file and READme code. Then, submit a video — between 30 seconds and two minutes — showcasing the plug-in in action. Finally, hackathoners must promote their plug-in using #AIonRTXHackathon on a social media channel: Instagram, TikTok or X. Submit projects via this form by Wednesday, July 16. Judges will assess plug-ins based on three main criteria: 1) innovation and creativity, 2) technical execution and integration, reviewing technical depth, G-Assist integration and scalability, and 3) usability and community impact, aka how easy it is to use the plug-in. Winners will be selected on Wednesday, Aug. 20. First place will receive a GeForce RTX 5090 laptop, second place a GeForce RTX 5080 GPU and third a GeForce RTX 5070 GPU. These top three will also be featured on NVIDIA’s social media channels, get the opportunity to meet the NVIDIA G-Assist team and earn an NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute self-paced course credit. Project G-Assist requires a GeForce RTX 50, 40 or 30 Series Desktop GPU with at least 12GB of VRAM, Windows 11 or 10 operating system, a compatible CPU, specific disk space requirements and a recent GeForce Game Ready Driver or NVIDIA Studio Driver. Plug-InExplore open-source plug-in samples available on GitHub, which showcase the diverse ways on-device AI can enhance PC and gaming workflows. Popular plug-ins include: Google Gemini: Enables search-based queries using Google Search integration and large language model-based queries using Gemini capabilities in real time without needing to switch programs from the convenience of the NVIDIA App Overlay. Discord: Enables users to easily share game highlights or messages directly to Discord servers without disrupting gameplay. IFTTT: Lets users create automations across hundreds of compatible endpoints to trigger IoT routines — such as adjusting room lights and smart shades, or pushing the latest gaming news to a mobile device. Spotify: Lets users control Spotify using simple voice commands or the G-Assist interface to play favorite tracks and manage playlists. Twitch: Checks if any Twitch streamer is currently live and can access detailed stream information such as titles, games, view counts and more. Get G-Assist  Join the NVIDIA Developer Discord channel to collaborate, share creations and gain support from fellow AI enthusiasts and NVIDIA staff. the date for NVIDIA’s How to Build a G-Assist Plug-In webinar on Wednesday, July 9, from 10-11 a.m. PT, to learn more about Project G-Assist capabilities, discover the fundamentals of building, testing and deploying Project G-Assist plug-ins, and participate in a live Q&A session. Explore NVIDIA’s GitHub repository, which provides everything needed to get started developing with G-Assist, including sample plug-ins, step-by-step instructions and documentation for building custom functionalities. Learn more about the ChatGPT Plug-In Builder to transform ideas into functional G-Assist plug-ins with minimal coding. The tool uses OpenAI’s custom GPT builder to generate plug-in code and streamline the development process. NVIDIA’s technical blog walks through the architecture of a G-Assist plug-in, using a Twitch integration as an example. Discover how plug-ins work, how they communicate with G-Assist and how to build them from scratch. Each week, the RTX AI Garage blog series features community-driven AI innovations and content for those looking to learn more about NVIDIA NIM microservices and AI Blueprints, as well as building AI agents, creative workflows, digital humans, productivity apps and more on AI PCs and workstations.  Plug in to NVIDIA AI PC on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X — and stay informed by subscribing to the RTX AI PC newsletter. Follow NVIDIA Workstation on LinkedIn and X.  See notice regarding software product information. #plug #play #build #gassist #plugin

While there are some major Xbox releases coming to PS5 this year, the content sharing is largely still in one direction. Sony doesn't seem to be in a hurry to let its big franchise games play in the Xbox sandbox. But thanks to an update for the Xbox PC app, you'll be able to see some top PlayStation games... sort of.Microsoft has unveiled the new aggregated gaming library feature of the Xbox PC app, which allows users to see their games from all PC storefronts including Epic and Steam. As reported by the The Verge's Tom Warren, that means PlayStation games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales that were ported to PC can also show up in the Xbox app.PlayStation PC games on Xbox. Yup 👍 pic.twitter.com/WUQJzagdiS — Tom WarrenJune 26, 2025 This shouldn't be too surprising, since Microsoft already confirmed that the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally handheld devices will be able to play Sony's PlayStation titles that have been released on PC. But there won't be any Xbox achievements or any additional functionality for these PS ports.Continue Reading at GameSpot #playstation #games #are #now #xbox

In a world where snake venom and urine are the new elixirs of youth, the latest biohacking conference has put the "fun" back in dysfunctional. Thanks to the Make America Healthy Again movement, health enthusiasts are now convinced that a splash of reptilian toxins and a little liquid gold will unlock the secrets to eternal life. Who needs scientific evidence when you have fervor and a good dose of wishful thinking? So, if you see someone sipping on what looks suspiciously like a cocktail of questionable origins, just remember: they’re probably one conference away from discovering the fountain of immortality—or at least a new trend in bathroom décor. #Biohacking #EternalYouth #HealthTrends #SnakeVenom #MA

Maxon has released Redshift 2025.5, and honestly, it's about time! But let's not sugarcoat it; the hype around new features like USDZ file rendering and point cloud support in Blender feels like a desperate attempt to keep up with competitors. Why does every release come with the same old promises? Users are tired of half-baked updates that don't address the real issues plaguing GPU rendering. Instead of flashy features, how about focusing on stability and performance? It’s infuriating to see companies chase trends while neglecting the core functionalities that truly matter. Enough with the marketing gimmicks—deliver real improvements or don’t bother at all! #Maxon #Redshift2025 #GPURendering #Blender #Tech

AI, Alexa, Amazon, generative AI, voice assistant, technology, Daniel Rausch, Alexa+, engineering ## Introduction In the ever-evolving world of technology, Amazon has recently announced significant updates to its voice assistant, Alexa. The new version, dubbed Alexa+, has been developed using a staggering amount of generative AI tools. This initiative marks a pivotal moment for Amazon's engineering teams, as they leverage advanced artificial intelligence to enhance the functionality and perfor...

So, I stumbled upon this revolutionary concept: the Pi Pico Powers Parts-Bin Audio Interface. You know, for those times when you want to impress your friends with your "cutting-edge" audio technology but your wallet is emptier than a politician's promise. Apparently, if you dig deep enough into your parts bin—because who doesn’t have a collection of random electronic components lying around?—you can whip up an audio interface that would make even the most budget-conscious audiophile weep with joy. Let’s be real for a moment. The idea of “USB audio is great” is like saying “water is wet.” Sure, it’s true, but it’s not exactly breaking news. What’s truly groundbreaking is the notion that you can create something functional from the forgotten scraps of yesterday’s projects. It’s like a DIY episode of “Chopped” but for tech nerds. “Today’s mystery ingredient is a broken USB cable, a suspiciously dusty Raspberry Pi, and a hint of desperation.” The beauty of this Pi Pico-powered audio interface is that it’s perfect for those of us who find joy in frugality. Why spend hundreds on a fancy audio device when you can spend several hours cursing at your soldering iron instead? Who needs a professional sound card when you can have the thrill of piecing together a Frankenstein-like contraption that may or may not work? The suspense alone is worth the price of admission! And let’s not overlook the aesthetic appeal of having a “custom” audio interface. Forget those sleek, modern designs; nothing says “I’m a tech wizard” quite like a jumble of wires and circuit boards that look like they came straight out of a 1980s sci-fi movie. Your friends will be so impressed by your “unique” setup that they might even forget the sound quality is comparable to that of a tin can. Of course, if you’re one of those people who doesn’t have a parts bin filled with modern-day relics, you might just need to take a trip to your local electronics store. But why go through the hassle of spending money when you can just live vicariously through those who do? It’s all about the experience, right? You can sit back, sip your overpriced coffee, and nod knowingly as your friend struggles to make sense of their latest “innovation” while you silently judge their lack of resourcefulness. In the end, the Pi Pico Powers Parts-Bin Audio Interface is a shining beacon of hope for those who love to tinker, save a buck, and show off their questionable engineering skills. So, gather your components, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for an adventure that might just end in either a new hobby or a visit to the emergency room. Let the audio experimentation begin! #PiPico #AudioInterface #DIYTech #BudgetGadgets #FrugalInnovation

Ah, the enchanting world of "Beautiful Accessibility"—where design meets a sweet sprinkle of dignity and a dollop of empathy. Isn’t it just delightful how we’ve collectively decided that making things accessible should also be aesthetically pleasing? Because, clearly, having a ramp that doesn’t double as a modern art installation would be just too much to ask. Gone are the days when accessibility was seen as a dull, clunky afterthought. Now, we’re on a quest to make sure that every wheelchair ramp looks like it was sculpted by Michelangelo himself. Who needs functionality when you can have a piece of art that also serves as a means of entry? You know, it’s almost like we’re saying, “Why should people who need help have to sacrifice beauty for practicality?” Let’s talk about that “rigid, rough, and unfriendly” stereotype of accessibility. Sure, it’s easy to dismiss these concerns. Just slap a coat of trendy paint on a handrail and voilà! You’ve got a “beautifully accessible” structure that’s just as likely to send someone flying off the side as it is to help them reach the door. But hey, at least it’s pretty to look at as they tumble—right? And let’s not overlook the underlying question: for whom are we really designing? Is it for the people who need accessibility, or is it for the fleeting approval of the Instagram crowd? If it’s the latter, then congratulations! You’re on the fast track to a trend that will inevitably fade faster than last season’s fashion. Remember, folks, the latest hashtag isn’t ‘#AccessibilityForAll’; it’s ‘#AccessibilityIsTheNewBlack,’ and we all know how long that lasts in the fickle world of social media. Now, let’s sprinkle in some empathy, shall we? Because nothing says “I care” quite like a designer who has spent five minutes contemplating the plight of those who can’t navigate the “avant-garde” staircase that serves no purpose other than to look chic in a photo. Empathy is key, but please, let’s not take it too far. After all, who has time to engage deeply with real human needs when there’s a dazzling design competition to win? So, as we stand at the crossroads of functionality and aesthetics, let’s all raise a glass to the idea of "Beautiful Accessibility." May it forever remain beautifully ironic and, of course, aesthetically pleasing—after all, what’s more dignified than a thoughtfully designed ramp that looks like it belongs in a museum, even if it makes getting into that museum a bit of a challenge? #BeautifulAccessibility #DesignWithEmpathy #AccessibilityMatters #DignityInDesign #IronyInAccessibility