At the Sequoia AI Summit, NVIDIA's Jim Fan made headlines by declaring that "VLA is dead," igniting a conversation about the shortcomings of visual-language models in the realm of embodied intelligence. This statement highlights the growing recognition within the tech community of the necessity for enhanced physical capabilities in AI systems. The discussions at the summit emphasized the importance of developing world models that can better address the limitations currently faced by visual-language models. As the field of artificial intelligence continues to evolve, experts are calling for innovative solutions to improve the integration of visual and physical understanding in AI applications.
Education & Research
Software & Algorithm Provider
Human-Machine Interaction
Original from leaderobot.com: The Death of VLAs: Unraveling the True Challenges of Embodied Intelligence
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HERL (Human Engineering Research Lab)
United States
Joint University of Pittsburgh and US Department of Veterans Affairs laboratory conducting rehabilitation engineering research. Develops mobility devices, assistive technologies, and medical-grade products for people with disabilities.
Joanneum Research Assoc (AT)
Austria
Joanneum Research Institute for Robotics and Flexible Production conducts applied R&D in industrial robot systems, production automation and robot safety, offering feasibility analysis, consulting and testing in a robotics solution centre.
St Petersburg National Research U of ITMO
Russian leading research university (ITMO University) specializing in information technology, optical engineering, and photonics. Active research programs in AI, robotics, computer vision, and cyber-physical systems.
Green Hills Software
United States
Independent embedded software provider delivering RTOS, compilers, IDEs, and debuggers for safety- and security-critical systems. Serves automotive, avionics, defence, and industrial domains with certified real-time operating system platforms since 1982.
Scorpion Vision Software (UK)
Norwegian-based 2D and 3D industrial machine vision software platform (marketed under Tordivel AS). Offers sub-pixel and micron-level non-contact measurement, configurable inspection tools, and advanced calibration capabilities without programming.
Acquired Data Solutions, Inc.
United States
Provides systems engineering, embedded software development, automation integration, and cybersecurity services for government and commercial defense clients. Capabilities include OT/IT convergence, edge computing, and mission-critical system integration across a 28-year operational history.
Patten Studio
United States
Patten Studio is an interactive design studio based at MIT Media Lab roots, creating technology-driven art installations and experiential environments for brands and public spaces. Work involves sensing, embedded computing, and responsive physical interfaces, with peripheral relevance to human-machine interaction.
Shenzhen Macrotellect Technology (CN)
Macrotellect develops BrainLink EEG headsets and brainwave sensing devices for consumer and research applications. The company focuses on brain-computer interface technology enabling non-invasive neural signal acquisition and human-machine interaction.
Soul Machines
New Zealand
New Zealand AI company (now in receivership as of February 2026) that developed lifelike digital human avatars powered by large language models for customer service and enterprise deployment. Created Digital Workers and Workforce Connect platforms.
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