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Introduction to AI-Native Textbook Physical AI & Humanoid Robotics

Welcome to the AI-Native Textbook for Physical AI & Humanoid Robotics, a comprehensive 13-week curriculum designed to guide you through the cutting-edge intersection of artificial intelligence and robotics.

Project Overview​

This textbook provides a structured learning path that combines theoretical understanding with hands-on implementation in physical AI and humanoid robotics. The curriculum is designed to take you from foundational concepts to advanced applications, using industry-standard tools and frameworks.

Our mission is to democratize access to advanced robotics education and prepare the next generation of engineers for the future of AI-physical interaction.

Learning Purpose​

The primary purpose of this textbook is to:

  • Demystify Physical AI: Understand how artificial intelligence concepts apply to physical systems and real-world robotics applications
  • Master Humanoid Robotics: Learn the principles and practices of humanoid robot development and control
  • Enable Hands-On Learning: Provide practical exercises and examples that bridge theory with implementation
  • Integrate Modern Technologies: Explore the latest advances in AI-physical system interaction

Curriculum Structure​

This comprehensive curriculum is organized into 4 modules spanning 13 weeks:

Module 1 — The Robotic Nervous System (ROS 2) - Weeks 1-3​

  • Introduction to Physical AI and Sensors (LIDAR, IMUs)
  • ROS 2 Fundamentals — Nodes, Topics, Services, Packages
  • Python Agent Integration with ROS Controllers + URDF Modeling

Module 2 — The Digital Twin (Gazebo & Unity) - Weeks 4-5​

  • Physics Simulation in Gazebo — Gravity, Collisions
  • High-Fidelity Rendering in Unity + Sensor Simulation

Module 3 — The AI-Robot Brain (NVIDIA Isaac™) - Weeks 6-8​

  • NVIDIA Isaac Sim — Photorealistic Simulation
  • Isaac ROS — Hardware-Accelerated VSLAM + Nav2
  • Isaac Sim for Reinforcement Learning — Advanced Tooling

Module 4 — Vision-Language-Action (VLA) - Weeks 9-13​

  • Voice-to-Action with OpenAI Whisper
  • Cognitive Planning — LLMs Translating Natural Language to ROS 2 Actions
  • Capstone — Autonomous Humanoid Deployment & Testing

Technologies Used​

This AI-Native Textbook project leverages several cutting-edge technologies:

  • ROS 2 (Robot Operating System): The backbone for robot communication, with its robust ecosystem of tools for sensor integration, navigation, and control
  • Docusaurus: The documentation platform that powers this textbook, providing an excellent framework for technical content
  • Node.js: Used for the build process and site generation
  • Gazebo: For high-fidelity physics simulation and testing of robotic algorithms
  • NVIDIA Isaac: For photorealistic simulation and hardware-accelerated AI processing
  • Unity: For advanced rendering and digital twin applications
  • OpenAI Whisper: For voice-to-action capabilities in the Vision-Language-Action module
  • Large Language Models (LLMs): For cognitive planning and natural language processing

Getting Started​

We invite you to explore this textbook and embark on your journey into the fascinating world of Physical AI and Humanoid Robotics. Each module builds upon the previous one, creating a comprehensive understanding of how AI and robotics intersect in modern applications.

Navigate through the curriculum using the sidebar to begin your exploration of the future of AI-physical systems.

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