OpenMind releases new hardware-plus-software system to give robots and humanoids 'real-world intelligence' OpenMind has released BrainPack, which it describes as "a new hardware and software system that gives robots and humanoids real-world intelligence" - that is, perception, control, memory, and autonomy - all in a single backpack-sized platform. BrainPack integrates advanced mapping, object labeling, privacy-protected vision, remote operation, and self-charging into one modular system. Built on the back of one of three of Nvidia's most powerful processing units, OpenMind is setting the new bar for embodied AI. It's the same brain that has powered OpenMind's now-viral demonstrations of self-charging quadrupeds, and it's now available to developers, research labs, and early adopters worldwide. "We've built the bridge between robotics and intelligence," said Jan Liphardt, CEO of OpenMind. "For the first time, anyone can order a robot that doesn't just move - it understands its environment, remembers it, and learns from it." An intelligence layer for the real world. BrainPack is the culmination of years of research into perception, privacy, and autonomy. It's designed to give embodied AI systems the ability to map, reason, and adapt to their surroundings with human-level context awareness. artificial intelligence At its core, BrainPack is a compact fusion of compute, sensors, and software that turns any robot into a learning system capable of understanding, documenting, and navigating the physical world. Key capabilities. Mapping - 3D spatial mapping and real-time scene reconstruction. * Auto object labeling - Identifies and tags objects autonomously for dataset generation and memory. * Face detection and blurring - Privacy-first vision system that automatically detects and anonymizes humans in view. * Remote control and streaming - Encrypted real-time video and motion control from any device. * Auto charging - Self-docking power management for uninterrupted operation. Each BrainPack is designed to deliver the same reliability as a research-grade system, but with the ease and elegance of a consumer device. "We wanted to build something that makes autonomy accessible," said Boyuan Chen, CTO of OpenMind. "You can see what the robot sees, teach it, and trust that what it captures is real - and private." For the next wave of robotics. BrainPack is compatible with both humanoid and quadruped platforms under Unitree's latest G1 and Go2 robots. With minimal effort plug-and-play integration, BrainPack transforms them from mobile hardware into fully intelligent, privacy-conscious agents capable of operating in homes, research facilities, and public environments. OpenMind's early testing programs have shown BrainPack-enabled robots performing self-guided patrols, mapping multi-room environments, recognizing and labeling objects, and autonomously docking to charge - all without direct supervision. This is an advancement that's truly ahead of its curve. Accountable intelligence. Robots are no longer confined to labs or factories. They're entering the spaces Robotics & Automation News live and work - which means autonomy must come with accountability. BrainPack captures every action and perception as verifiable data, combining edge processing with privacy protections so that every movement can be understood, audited, and trusted. "The future of robotics depends on trust," added Liphardt. "BrainPack gives us the first framework where intelligence, transparency, and safety evolve together." The full robot set is now open for preorders. This set includes OpenMind's BrainPack, Unitree Robot and Jetson Thor processing unit. Orders can be reserved with a $499 deposit for the full robot set, with shipments scheduled to begin in 2026.

Pi Network Nodes can now earn Pi by supporting OpenMind AI models. Pi Network partners with OpenMind to let Node operators earn Pi by powering AI tasks using their idle computing resources. * Pi Nodes are now used to run OpenMind's AI models for computation and training. * Node operators earn Pi tokens based on computing power contributed to AI tasks. * This marks Pi Network's move from mobile mining to platform-level utility. * Over 1.27 billion Pi tokens are scheduled to unlock in the next 12 months. Millions of Pi Network Node operators can now earn Pi tokens for sharing idle computing power with AI models. Through a new collaboration with OpenMind, Pi Network is launching a project that allows AI training and computation directly on Pi Nodes. This development expands Pi's role beyond mobile mining and introduces a new earning opportunity tied to real-world computing usage. Partnership launches ai-powered use for Pi Nodes. Pi Network has launched a proof-of-concept with AI platform OpenMind. The collaboration enables artificial intelligence models to run using computing resources provided by Pi Node operators. According to the Pi Core Team, OpenMind's AI models are already operating on selected Nodes. These models are using spare computing capacity for training and data processing. Node operators are rewarded in Pi tokens based on the resources they contribute. The project marks a shift for Pi Network from mobile engagement to becoming a broader computing platform. While users previously mined Pi through mobile apps, this model offers an additional income source for Node runners using their hardware. Expanding Node utility for practical use. With this launch, Pi Nodes are moving beyond basic validation roles. They now support distributed AI computation across a decentralized network. This model allows AI developers to access computing power without relying on centralized services. Instead of large data centers, AI models run on user-hosted Nodes around the world. Pi rewards the Node operators in return, distributing both value and workload across the network. It also gives developers a more flexible and scalable way to run AI tasks. The setup is designed to benefit both parties. Developers meet their growing need for computing power, and Node operators earn rewards outside standard mining activity. It mirrors how cloud computing services operate, though without the same central control or infrastructure. Toward a broader platform vision. The Pi Core Team says this step is part of a broader strategy to grow the network's ecosystem. By creating new utilities for its infrastructure, Pi moves closer to becoming a platform for digital services and computation. Dr. Chengdiao Fan, co-founder of Pi Network, spoke about the project during TOKEN2049. She said, "Our focus is on real use cases that bring long-term value. Utility is key to sustainability." This partnership reflects that focus, connecting blockchain operations to real computing needs. This shift also supports Pi Network's aim to transition from a mobile-first platform to one supporting scalable, distributed services. Millions of global Nodes make it possible to run workloads without central servers. If the model works, it could create a decentralized computing marketplace. Community demand for real-world value. The update comes at a time when over 1.27 billion Pi tokens are expected to be unlocked within the next 12 months. This has raised calls within the community for developments that provide lasting utility, rather than rely on market speculation. Many users have expressed interest in ways to use Pi that go beyond holding or trading. The AI-powered Node model gives them a way to earn by contributing directly to active computing tasks. It also helps reduce reliance on speculative features by tying token distribution to functional work. As the project grows, it could bring in more AI developers looking for cost-effective, distributed solutions. At the same time, it could expand earning options for users who host and run Nodes. Stay ahead of the market with Benzinga Pro! * Breaking market-moving stories before they hit mainstream media * Live audio squawk for hands-free market updates * Advanced stock scanner to spot promising trades * Expert trade ideas and on-demand support Don't let opportunities slip away. Start your free trial of Benzinga Pro today and take your trading to the next level! Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience in market analysis and expert commentary. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University and is known for meticulous research in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured in top publications including Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Coinedition, and Analytics Insight. Kelvin specializes in uncovering emerging crypto trends and delivering data-driven analyses to help readers make informed decisions. Outside of work, he enjoys chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.

Pi Network Ventures has made a strategic investment in OpenMind, launching a collaboration to develop a decentralized intelligent robot cooperation framework. OpenMind's technologies, including the OM1 operating system and FABRIC protocol, enable decentralized AI model deployment for robots, enhancing privacy and reducing costs. This partnership aims to integrate blockchain, AI, and robotics, leveraging Pi Network's 350,000-node network for distributed computing and agent coordination.