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Why robots need their own interfaces
Humanoid robots are not just a patchwork of existing technologies. They combine dozens of cameras, depth sensors, inertial units, microphones, displays, and hundreds of actuators — and all these components must communicate in real time, with minimal energy consumption, and in extremely limited space. That is precisely why MIPI Alliance, which has so far dominated mobile and automotive interfaces, is establishing the Physical AI Birds of a Feather (BoF) group.
The group's task is to analyze current hardware and software architectures of humanoid robots, develop system diagrams for key applications, and identify where existing MIPI specifications can be used — or extended. The output should be a formal recommendation to the alliance leadership regarding new specifications.
Who is behind the new standard
The chair of the group became Edo Cohen from Valens Semiconductor, who also serves as vice president of the MIPI technical committee. Under his leadership, an impressive lineup of companies has gathered: Intel, Samsung Electronics, Sony Group, Bosch, NXP Semiconductors, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments, MediaTek, Synopsys, Lattice Semiconductor, LG Electronics, TDK, KIOXIA, Amphenol, Unisoc and others.
From a European perspective, the presence of NXP (headquarters in the Netherlands), Bosch (Germany), STMicroelectronics (Switzerland/France/Italy), and Valens (Israel) is interesting. It is these companies that can significantly influence how future standards reflect the needs of European industry and regulations — including the requirements of the EU AI Act on safety and transparency of autonomous systems.
From mobile phones to cars and now to robots
MIPI Alliance is no newcomer in the field of physical AI. Its specifications — especially CSI-2 for cameras and DSI-2 for displays — power billions of smartphones worldwide. In recent years, they have also successfully made their way into the automotive industry, where the A-PHY standard serves for high-speed image transmission from cameras to driver assistance systems.
A similar shift is now underway in robotics. As the website eeNews Europe pointed out, humanoid platforms are gradually moving from laboratory prototypes to repeatable commercial designs. Without standardized interfaces, however, each manufacturer solves component connectivity in its own way, which increases development costs and complicates the supply chain.
A market that cannot be ignored
According to analysis by the Yole Group, the humanoid robot market awaits annual growth of 56 %, and by 2030 it should exceed $6 billion. By 2035, it could even climb to $51 billion. Such numbers attract not only component manufacturers but also investors and regulators.
For Czech and European companies, this means both opportunity and challenge. On one hand, a market opens up for suppliers of sensors, connectors, and embedded systems; on the other hand, Europe must compete with Asian and American players who are investing billions in robotics. The participation of European companies in MIPI BoF is therefore crucial so that future standards also reflect their needs.
How to join the group
MIPI opened Physical AI BoF not only to its members but also to non-member companies from the physical AI ecosystem. Representatives of member companies can register via the member portal Causeway, non-members fill out a registration form. The approval process takes 3–5 business days. Dates for the first meetings will be announced in the coming weeks.
This openness is exceptional — MIPI usually exclusively manages its working groups for members. The decision to invite external companies indicates how critical the moment is for the entire industry. The standards that emerge in the coming months could influence the shape of robots for the next decade.
What this means for ordinary users
While the average consumer encounters humanoid robots mainly in sci-fi movies, the standardization of interfaces is a key step toward making these machines more accessible and safer. Thanks to common specifications, it will be possible to reduce prices, accelerate development, and ensure that components from different manufacturers will be mutually compatible.
In the European context, this is especially important in connection with the EU AI Act, which emphasizes the safety and interoperability of autonomous systems. If European companies can influence the emerging standards, they can gain a competitive advantage in the global market — and Czech technology companies can join the supply chain as specialists in embedded systems, sensors, or industrial automation.
What does the abbreviation BoF mean in the MIPI Physical AI group?
BoF stands for "Birds of a Feather" — an informal working group that explores a new topic before it becomes an official standardization committee. The goal is to gather interested parties from industry, analyze needs, and prepare materials for the alliance leadership.
Can a small Czech company also join the group?
Yes. MIPI Physical AI BoF is open not only to alliance members but also to non-member companies from the physical AI ecosystem. Just fill out the registration form on the MIPI website. The approval process takes 3–5 business days. For Czech startups and companies specializing in embedded systems or sensors, this can be a valuable opportunity to influence future standards.
How do MIPI specifications relate to humanoid robots?
Humanoid robots need to transmit enormous amounts of data from cameras, sensors, and microphones with minimal energy consumption. MIPI specifications such as CSI-2 (cameras), DSI-2 (displays), or I3C (sensors) are proven solutions in the mobile industry precisely for these purposes. The BoF group is exploring how to adapt or extend them for the needs of robotics.
