Mutual Insights from NVIDIA and Teradyne Thought Leaders
At Automate 2025, Deepu Talla, NVIDIA’s VP of Robotics and Edge AI, and Ujjwal Kumar, Teradyne Robotics’ Group President, engaged in a unique interview format. This allowed them to share real-time perspectives on how their companies are driving innovation in AI-driven robotics and automation. Their conversation illuminated the powerful synergy between NVIDIA’s AI computing platforms and Teradyne’s robotics expertise.
Revolutionizing Robotics with the UR15 and AI Accelerator
Ujjwal Kumar introduced Teradyne’s new UR15 collaborative robot, emphasizing its breakthrough motion control and industry-leading speed. This cobot integrates advanced AI capabilities through the jointly developed AI Accelerator with NVIDIA. The solution targets sectors like automotive, metal machining, and logistics, offering customers a factory-tested hardware and preloaded software platform. This reduces deployment times and lowers complexity, which is crucial for industrial users demanding faster results.
Physical AI: The Bridge to Scalable, Adaptable Automation
Both leaders emphasized that physical AI—the use of AI to perceive and interact with the physical environment—is now a major opportunity for scalable automation. Kumar pointed out that manufacturers want solutions that are flexible, quick to deploy, and operable by floor staff without needing extensive programming. With labor shortages and reshoring driving urgency, physical AI-powered robotics provide practical answers to today’s manufacturing challenges.
Simulation Maturity: Accelerating Innovation with Confidence
Deepu Talla highlighted that simulation technology, long pioneered by NVIDIA, has recently matured enough to enable accurate virtual testing of robots. Kumar shared that developing a palette detection solution in simulation took just eight months—compared to three years with traditional methods. This simulation-first approach reduces risk, accelerates deployment, and improves workforce training, making industrial automation more agile and cost-effective.
The Convergence of AI and Simulation Unlocks New Potential
When asked about future traction, Talla pointed to two key technologies: physical AI and generative AI, including large language models (LLMs). He explained how these tools enable robots to generalize complex tasks like manipulation and picking—problems that had been unsolved for years. This fusion allows companies to rapidly build, test, and deploy advanced robotic solutions with higher precision and adaptability.
My Perspective: Bridging AI Innovation with Practical Industrial Needs
From my experience as an industrial automation engineer, this collaboration exemplifies how cutting-edge AI must align with real-world manufacturing demands. Scalable AI toolkits paired with robust simulation shorten development cycles without sacrificing reliability. Crucially, empowering operators on the factory floor to interact intuitively with robots democratizes automation. This approach fosters productivity and agility—key factors for thriving in the evolving Industry 4.0 landscape.
Final Thoughts: Toward a Dynamic, AI-Enabled Automation Landscape
The insights shared by NVIDIA and Teradyne executives make clear that AI and simulation are no longer future aspirations—they are practical enablers transforming manufacturing today. As these technologies continue to advance, industrial automation will evolve from static, rigid systems into dynamic, intelligent solutions that respond swiftly to changing needs. This shift promises a new era of operational excellence and innovation.
