SINGAPORE: Nvidia, the global leader in artificial intelligence chips, will open a new research center in Singapore, the city-state announced Wednesday as it unveiled a series of AI-focused initiatives.
The new lab marks Nvidia’s first research hub in Singapore and its second such facility in the Asia-Pacific region. The U.S.-based company has increasingly concentrated on embodied AI (AI integrated into physical systems like robots and autonomous vehicles) launching models, systems and chips for robotics in recent years.
The Singapore lab will focus on advancing embodied AI and improving the efficiency of AI infrastructure, working with university researchers, industry partners and government agencies, Nvidia said.
The announcement comes as Singapore, despite its small size, positions itself as a regional AI hub for real-world development, testing and deployment of AI solutions. Embodied AI, which includes robots, autonomous vehicles and drones, is widely seen as the next frontier in AI development, with the potential to drive breakthroughs in the service sector and manufacturing.
Also Wednesday, Singapore said it will launch a testbed later this year to help private companies co-design, deploy and test commercially viable AI robotics technologies. Industry leaders including Certis, DHL, Grab and QuikBot are expected to be among the first users.
The government will also collaborate with AI robotics companies such as Slamtec, Unitree and QuikBot through a new Center for Intelligent Robotics to trial embodied AI use cases. Tests will include food and parcel delivery, cleaning and security patrolling, aiming to complement human operations.
The measures were announced on the opening day of Singapore’s ATxSummit, a technology conference that this year has a heavy focus on AI deployment.
