Nvidia has announced significant advancements to Universal Scene Description (USD) and its OpenUSD framework. This will expand the adoption of the universal 3D data interchange framework to various industries, including robotics, industrial design, and engineering. The goal is to accelerate the development of highly accurate virtual worlds for the next evolution of AI. By incorporating generative AI models that can understand OpenUSD-based language, geometry, materials, physics, and spaces, Nvidia aims to enable industries of all kinds to build physically based virtual worlds and digital twins to drive innovation while preparing for the next wave of AI, specifically robotics.
The new offerings include Nvidia NIM microservices for AI models, which can generate OpenUSD language to answer user queries, generate OpenUSD Python code, apply materials to 3D objects, and understand 3D space and physics. These microservices will help accelerate the development of digital twins and virtual factories. For example, Foxconn, a global manufacturing leader, is already using Nvidia’s computing platform to create a digital twin of a factory under development. This will help accelerate the next wave of industrial manufacturing and autonomous machines.
WPP, a world leader in marketing and communications services, is also an advocate for OpenUSD technology. It has implemented USD Search and USD Code NIM microservices in its generative AI-enabled content creation pipeline, allowing for accelerated production tools and innovative new campaigns for customers like The Coca-Cola Company.
Nvidia is also expanding the OpenUSD ecosystem by introducing new USD connectors for robotics data formats and streaming to Apple Vision Pro. This will enable more industries to benefit from generative AI and advanced authoring. Nvidia is collaborating with Siemens, a global leader in industrial automation and software, to integrate OpenUSD pipelines with Siemens’ Simcenter portfolio of simulation technologies. This integration will provide real-time, photorealistic visualization of complex simulation data, allowing for evidence-based decision-making and collaboration.
To further advance the OpenUSD ecosystem, Nvidia has released the OpenUSD Exchange software development kit, enabling developers to build their own data connectors. Additionally, new developer tools and APIs are now available to stream large-scale OpenUSD scenes to Apple Vision Pro via the Nvidia Graphics Delivery Network.
The progress made in the OpenUSD ecosystem has been praised by industry leaders. Steve May, CTO of Pixar and chairman of the Alliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD), believes that the new services and APIs for OpenUSD built by Nvidia will accelerate the growth and adoption of USD, making it easier for new users and industries to engage with the ecosystem.
Overall, Nvidia’s advancements to OpenUSD and the introduction of generative AI models have the potential to revolutionize the way industries create and interact with 3D content. By democratizing the ability to develop digital twins and virtual worlds, Nvidia is paving the way for increased innovation and collaboration in various sectors.