Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has asserted that a profound understanding of physics is crucial for the next generation of artificial intelligence, particularly for what he terms "Physical AI." This perspective is echoed by Professor Husin Alatas, a leading theoretical physicist at IPB University, who highlights that quantum physics is the bedrock of approximately 80% of current technologies, including the advancements powering AI.
Professor Alatas explained that quantum physics enables the creation of transistors smaller than 10 nanometers, which are essential components for the sophisticated processors used in smart devices and advanced AI systems. He further noted that physics distinguishes itself through its reliance on intuition and imagination, qualities that have historically driven significant technological breakthroughs that have shaped civilization. The field of physics itself encompasses a vast spectrum, from the subatomic realm of elementary particles to the immensity of the universe, with theories like Relativity and quantum theory exploring phenomena beyond direct sensory perception.
Reinforcing this viewpoint, Jensen Huang stated in a July 2025 interview that if he were a 22-year-old graduate today, he would choose to study physics over computer science. Huang emphasized that the coming era of AI, especially its integration with robotics and real-world interactions, requires a deep grasp of fundamental physical laws, including concepts such as friction, inertia, and causality. He also outlined a vision for future robotics companies, anticipating the need for three distinct computing systems: one for training AI models, another for edge inference, and a third for digital twin integration and virtual development.
The convergence of insights from both Huang and Alatas underscores the fundamental necessity of a deep understanding of physical principles for pioneering the next generation of AI and broader technological advancements. The seamless integration of quantum physics and a robust comprehension of the physical world are identified as indispensable cornerstones for future innovations in AI and robotics.
The pervasive influence of quantum physics extends beyond AI, forming the foundation for numerous everyday technologies such as lasers, semiconductors, and advanced medical imaging techniques like MRI. The ongoing "second quantum revolution" is continuously expanding these horizons, driving progress in quantum computing, ultra-precise sensors, and secure communication systems. Companies like Nvidia are actively contributing to this future through initiatives such as their Accelerated Quantum Research Center, which aims to integrate quantum hardware with AI supercomputers to address complex challenges like qubit error correction, signaling the transformative potential of physics in shaping the technological landscape for decades to come.