Hardware

NPU (Neural Processing Unit)

An NPU (neural processing unit) is a processor specialized for neural network inference, accelerating the matrix multiplications and convolutions that dominate deep learning workloads at low power. NPUs appear as dedicated blocks in edge systems-on-chip, including robotics-focused platforms such as the NVIDIA Jetson family (alongside its GPU and DLA accelerators) and Qualcomm's robotics processors.

Why it matters for physical AI

Running perception and policy inference within a mobile robot's power and thermal envelope depends on accelerator throughput, making NPU capability a key sizing constraint for onboard deployment.