NVIDIA and Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn Technology are discussing an alliance that would deploy humanoid robots as part of the workforce at a new Foxconn factory in Houston. The robot workers will potentially assist in building NVIDIA’s GB300 AI servers, which are currently the most advanced, large-scale AI systems available for enterprise workloads and are set for full-scale production in 2026.
While this is far from the first humanoid robot deployment—such units are used across many industrial sectors—this would be the first time that a Foxconn factory would build AI servers with such technology. It would also be the first time that NVIDIA hardware was produced with the help of humanoid robots.
It’s not known from early reports, but it’s certainly possible—even likely—that the humanoid robots will be produced partially by NVIDIA, which would mean that NVIDIA products are being used to make NVIDIA gear. Many humanoid robots use NVIDIA chips, and leading humanoid robotics vendors like Agility Robotics and Boston Dynamics have adopted NVIDIA’s Isaac solution, which is a platform to speed the development of AI-powered robots. In March, NVIDIA debuted Isaac GROOT N1, a customizable foundation that enables skills and reasoning for humanoid robots.
Foxconn is developing its own humanoid robots with NVIDIA chips, but it’s not yet known if these units will be deployed in the Houston plant. Based on a recent Foxconn presentation, the company has trained the units to perform an array of assembly work, including working with cables, and lifting and placing objects. Because the Houston facility is new, it will be logistically easier to implement the robots.
A separate Foxconn presentation indicated that the company plans to unveil two iterations of its humanoid robot at the company’s annual showcase conference in November.
The two companies are planning on having the robots fully operational by Q1 2026 as the NVIDIA’s GB300 production commences. Although neither NVIDIA or Foxconn have officially confirmed details, reports suggest that one robot will be equipped with legs, while the second unit will be supported by an AMR (autonomous mobile robot) structure, a construction that is less costly.
Automated machinery has been used in factories for decades. General Motors deployed the first industrial robot, called the Unimate, in their production line in 1961. But today’s humanoid robots are capable of far greater autonomy and complexity, not just replacing humans but far exceeding human capacity for repetitive work. Powered by cutting edge semiconductors, artificial intelligence and machine learning, humanoid robots can make decisions and, based on an algorithm, perform better and more flexibly over time.
Among the instances of humanoid robot deployments are Moxi, a robot that delivers lab samples and ferries supplies in healthcare settings; Nadine, a robot that is gaining acceptance in nursing homes based on its ability to offer companionship; and the NASA unit Robonaut 2, which helps astronauts with an array of tasks on the International Space Station. China has invested heavily in the production of humanoid robots, and has debuted units that can run a half marathon and perform somersaults.
For whatever reason, humans are fascinated by humanoid robots. Tesla, which makes its own humanoid robot called Optimus, offered a toy action figure version for sale in November 2024. The $40 figure, 7-inches tall, sold out within 24 hours. It’s now offered on eBay and other resales sites for far higher prices.
