Bringing Physical AI into the Real World

As AI expands beyond the cloud and into physical systems, a new architectural paradigm is emerging: the Neural Axis. Inspired by the human nervous system, this approach distributes intelligence across three coordinated layers—reasoning, coordination, and reflex—to enable safe, responsive, and resilient autonomous operation. From robotics and drones to software-defined vehicles and ADAS, the Neural Axis addresses one of physical AI’s greatest challenges: real-time decision making under strict latency and safety constraints. This presentation explores how biologically inspired distributed computing can eliminate single points of failure, accelerate response times, and provide the scalable foundation required for the next generation of intelligent machines.

Biography

Robert Moran is Senior Vice President and General Manager of Automotive Processors at NXP Semiconductors, where he leads the development and commercialisation of scalable compute platforms for the software-defined vehicle era. With over 20 years of experience across semiconductors, embedded systems, and vehicle architectures, he operates at the intersection of technology and business—translating complex architectural shifts, including centralised compute and AI integration, into production-ready platforms adopted by leading OEMs. Moran is recognised for shaping how hardware and software converge to simplify vehicle design, accelerate innovation cycles, and enable the next generation of safe, intelligent mobility systems.