Nvidia puts a supercomputer in your pocket

• Jetson TX1 Module brings AI to autonomous robots and drones
• Runs deep neural networks for computer vision, machine learning, etc.

 
NVIDIA Corp has unveiled a credit-card sized module that it said harnesses the power of machine learning to enable a new generation of smart, autonomous machines that can learn.
 
The Nvidia Jetson TX1 module addresses the challenge of creating a new wave of millions of smart devices by incorporating capabilities such as machine learning, computer vision, navigation, and more, the company said in a statement.
 
These new devices include: Drones that do not just fly by remote control, but navigate their way through a forest for search and rescue; compact security surveillance systems that do not just scan crowds, but identify suspicious activity; and robots that do not just perform tasks, but tailor them to individuals' habits.
 
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Jetson TX1 is the first embedded computer designed to process deep neural networks, computer software that can learn to recognise objects or interpret information, Nvidia claimed.
 
This new approach to program computers is called machine learning and can be used to perform complex tasks such as recognising images, processing conversational speech, or analysing a room full of furniture and finding a path to navigate across it, the company said.
 
With its 1 teraflops of performance – comparable to the fastest supercomputer from just 15 years ago – Jetson (pic) delivers exceptional performance for machine learning, computer vision, GPU computing and graphics, while drawing very little power, it added.
 
“Jetson TX1 will enable a new generation of incredibly capable autonomous devices,” said Deepu Talla, vice president and general manager of the Tegra business at Nvidia.
 
“They will navigate on their own, recognise objects and faces, and become increasingly intelligent through machine learning. It will enable developers to create industry-changing products.”
 
Available as a module, Jetson TX1 is also built into a Developer Kit, which enables hobbyists and professionals to develop and test highly advanced autonomous devices.
 
This makes it easy to transition from development to manufacturing and production, Nvidia said.
 
“Jetson TX1 is a significant advance in moving machine learning applications from research into the real world,” said Ovum principal analyst Michael Azoff.
 
“It has uses that range from artificial intelligence-assisted robots, to advanced systems in automobiles, and to Internet of Things-connected intelligent machines.
 
“The ecosystem around Jetson will accelerate the transfer of AI from lab to real-world machines,” he added.
 
Sertac Karaman, professor of aeronautics and astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said, “Nvidia's Jetson TX1 is so powerful and easy to use, we decided to base MIT’s robotics systems and science course around it.”
 
The Nvidia Jetson TX1 Developer Kit can be pre-ordered starting Nov 12 for US$599 in the United States, with availability in other regions in the next few weeks.
 
The Jetson TX1 module will be available in early 2016 at a suggested price of US$299 (in quantities of 1,000 or more) from distributors around the world.
 
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