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Top1. Introduction
Established in 1993, Nvidia Corporation has emerged as a stalwart in the technology sector, navigating a trajectory characterized by groundbreaking innovations and strategic prowess. The inaugural moment in this journey unfolded in 1999 with the introduction of the GeForce 256, the world's first graphics processing unit (GPU). Since then, Nvidia has not merely shaped the landscape of graphics processing units (GPUs) but has significantly influenced the realms of artificial intelligence (AI) and parallel computing, positioning itself as a global powerhouse. Since its initial public offering (IPO) on January 22, 1999, Nvidia has experienced extraordinary growth, with its revenue increasing by a remarkable 170-fold over 24 years, underscoring a period of exceptional expansion (see Fig. 1).
Figure 1. The Historical Revenue Records of Nvidia
A pivotal juncture in Nvidia's narrative occurred in 2007 with the introduction of the CUDA architecture. This architectural innovation allowed GPUs to transcend their traditional role, finding utility in general-purpose computing, notably in AI and scientific applications. The subsequent introduction of the CUDA programming language marked a paradigm shift, empowering developers to harness the full potential of Nvidia GPUs. This, in turn, attracted a vibrant community of innovators and creators who leveraged the technology for diverse applications.
Nvidia's evolution into a tech titan reflects a commitment to continuous reinvention, underscored by a series of strategic initiatives and technological advancements. The company strategically diversified its portfolio, venturing into AI and high-performance computing while fostering a collaborative ecosystem to facilitate industry-wide progress. The unveiling of the Volta architecture in 2017 further solidified Nvidia's standing as a leader in AI hardware development. With Tensor Cores at its core, Volta propelled the company to the forefront of the burgeoning field of AI, opening new avenues in deep learning, complex neural networks, and data-intensive tasks.
Nvidia's GPUs provide the underlying computational horsepower for running the complex deep learning models used in the research of Efficient High-Resolution Image Inpainting with Attention-Guided Diffusion Models and Sparse Transformers, contributing to the advancement of image inpainting technology (Xu et al., 2023). Presently, Nvidia's influence extends far beyond the realm of graphics. The company stands as a testament to the transformative power of relentless innovation. Beyond revolutionizing visual media experiences, Nvidia has actively engaged in addressing complex challenges in healthcare, science, and other sectors. This commitment to pushing technological boundaries, complemented by a nuanced understanding of market trends and a collaborative ethos, positions Nvidia at the vanguard of the ongoing technological revolution.
As the company looks ahead, its strategic focus on the metaverse, quantum computing, and the shaping of intelligent machines is indicative of an unwavering commitment to exploration and groundbreaking achievements. Nvidia's narrative transcends the conventional corporate chronicle; it embodies the transformative power of technology, fueled by visionary leadership and boundless ambition. In essence, Nvidia's journey is a testament to the resilience and impact of sustained technological excellence in the ever-evolving landscape of the digital era.
As per Negi et al. (2023), Nvidia assumes a pivotal role in advancing and incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies and tools, encompassing IoT, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Edge Computing, Big Data, Blockchain, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Digital Twin, Metaverse, and Robotics (refer to Fig. 2). It serves as a critical facilitator for diverse tools; for instance, Nvidia's Jetson edge AI platform extends AI processing to the network's edge, in proximity to sensors and actuators. This positioning enables swifter and more efficient responses to real-time data.
Figure 2. Industry 4.0 Technologies and Tools