When it comes to putting robots through their paces, simulators have proved a lifesaver. Since real-world testing may be time-consuming, costly, and even dangerous, every effort made to smooth out as many wrinkles as possible in advance is highly advantageous. While roboticists strive for a means to run simulations of real-world working settings, Nvidia has found success with Isaac Sim as the chipmaker seeks to aggressively join the field of robotics and automation.

Important updates to the system were unveiled here at CES today. The technology is available on the cloud, making it available to robotics developers all around the world. Okay, artificial beings. Despite widespread fears that automation will drive humans out of the workforce, it seems likely that machines and humans will continue to coexist in the workplace for some time.

Nvidia explains that “it is vital to have physically correct sensor models” in order to reduce the discrepancy between simulated and real-world findings.

While humans should not be viewed as impediments, it is nevertheless vital to stick as closely as possible to the first Asimov law. Employees in the simulation push carts and stack boxes much like real-world employees would. Robots must do their duties without damaging their considerably more fragile human coworkers.

Using Nvidia’s RTX technology, the system can now render sensor data in real time. One such method is combining ray tracing with lidar simulation to more accurately model lighting conditions and the effects of reflecting surfaces. To develop an accurate simulation of a fulfilment centre, additional current robots and warehouse components may be included.

Existing ROS 2 Humble and Windows apps, in addition to Isaac Sim, are all supported. You may begin using the updated platform immediately.