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Physical AI & Humanoid Robotics Textbook

Welcome to the comprehensive guide to Physical AI and Humanoid Robotics! This textbook bridges the gap between theoretical AI knowledge and practical robotic applications, preparing students for the future of human-robot collaboration.

Course Overview​

The field of robotics is experiencing unprecedented growth, with humanoid robots like Tesla's Optimus, Figure's 01, and Boston Dynamics' Atlas making headlines regularly. The humanoid robotics market is projected to reach $90 billion by 2030, creating a critical need for engineers who understand both AI and robotics.

This course is designed to prepare you for this emerging field by teaching the complete stack required for humanoid robotics, from fundamental ROS 2 concepts to advanced AI integration and complete system deployment.

What You'll Learn​

This course is structured into four progressive modules:

  1. The Robotic Nervous System (ROS 2): Master the Robot Operating System 2, the foundational framework for connecting all robot components.

  2. The Digital Twin (Gazebo & Unity): Learn to simulate robots safely before deploying to real hardware, saving time and avoiding costly mistakes.

  3. The AI-Robot Brain (NVIDIA Isaac): Implement artificial intelligence for perception, planning, and control using industry-standard tools.

  4. Vision-Language-Action (VLA): Bring everything together by building complete humanoid robots that respond to voice commands, plan paths, and manipulate objects.

Course Structure​

Each chapter includes:

  • Learning objectives
  • Introduction with real-world context
  • Core content with examples
  • Code demonstrations
  • Visual aids and diagrams
  • Hands-on exercises
  • Assessment questions
  • Further reading resources

Prerequisites​

  • Basic programming knowledge (preferably Python)
  • Understanding of linear algebra and calculus
  • Familiarity with Linux command line
  • Interest in robotics and AI

Getting Started​

Navigate through the modules in order to build knowledge progressively. Each module builds on the previous one, so it's important to complete them sequentially unless you have prior experience with the concepts.

Let's begin your journey into the exciting world of Physical AI and Humanoid Robotics!