Nvidia has officially introduced Groot N1, its groundbreaking AI foundation model designed specifically for humanoid robotics. Revealed during the GTC 2025 conference in San Jose, this innovative model marks a major leap toward making general-purpose humanoid robots a reality.
Described as a “generalist” AI model, Groot N1 is trained on a diverse blend of synthetic and real-world data. According to Nvidia, it features a dual-system architecture inspired by human cognition, allowing robots to “think fast and slow” — a significant advancement in robotic intelligence.
The Evolution of Project Groot: Shaping the Future of Humanoid Robotics
Groot N1 builds on the foundation of Project Groot, which Nvidia unveiled last year. While the original project mainly focused on industrial robots, Groot N1 expands the scope to support a wide variety of humanoid robot designs and applications.
This next-generation model enables robots to perform complex reasoning tasks, interact seamlessly with dynamic environments, and execute precise multi-step actions. By balancing fast reactions with deep reasoning, Groot N1 aims to empower humanoid robots with human-like decision-making capabilities.
How Groot N1’s Dual-System Architecture Works
Nvidia’s dual-system architecture divides tasks into two key functions:
- Slow-Thinking System: Helps the robot analyze its surroundings, understand instructions, and carefully plan actions. This system focuses on perception, reasoning, and decision-making.
- Fast-Thinking System: Converts those plans into real-time movements and physical actions, including handling objects through intricate, multi-step processes.
This dual approach makes Groot N1 uniquely suited for robots that need to adapt quickly while performing complex tasks with precision — a critical requirement for humanoid applications.
Open-Source Release and Tools for Developers
In a major move for the AI and robotics community, Nvidia is making Groot N1 open source. Alongside the model, the company is rolling out simulation frameworks and detailed blueprints to help developers generate synthetic data for training. This comprehensive toolkit aims to accelerate innovation and lower the barrier for developing generalist robotic systems.
“The age of generalist robotics is here,” stated Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, emphasizing the company’s belief that humanoid robots will soon play a vital role in industries and daily life.
The Race Toward General-Purpose Humanoid Robots Heats Up
Interest in humanoid robots has skyrocketed, with companies like Figure AI and X1 racing to create versatile robots that move and interact like humans. These companies are banking on rapid advancements in AI, robotics, and hardware to overcome long-standing challenges in the field.
However, history shows that progress in robotics often faces setbacks. Despite growing excitement, experts warn that building mass-producible humanoid robots capable of handling diverse tasks may prove more difficult than anticipated.
Still, with Nvidia’s Groot N1 leading the charge, the industry appears more optimistic than ever about reaching that milestone in the near future.
