Introduction to NVMe HDDs

Seagate Technology demonstrated NVMe prototype hard disk drives in conjunction with Nvidia at the 2025 Nvidia GTC. While NVMe HDDs may not dominate the market immediately, there are reasons to believe their time is coming soon. This article will explore the history of NVMe HDDs, the 2025 demonstration, and why NVMe makes sense as an HDD storage interface that will enable future HDD innovation.

History of NVMe HDDs

Seagate, WDC, Microsoft, Dell, and HP discussed NVMe HDD and even tape drives at an Open Compute Project Summit back in 2020. In late 2021, a Seagate NVMe HDD demonstration at the 2021 OCP Summit included a customized HDD enclosure with twelve 3.5-inch HDDs using a proprietary controller supporting SAS, SATA, and NVMe natively without the need for a bridge.

Benefits of NVMe HDDs

Moving to a common interface for all storage could reduce storage system complexity, enable dynamic composable storage for data centers, improve overall HDD performance, reduce overall storage system costs, and could be an important element in reducing HDD power consumption.

The 2025 GTC Demonstration

The Seagate demonstration at the 2025 GTC combined four 4TB NVMe SSDs for cache with eight 32TB HDDs for data, supplying 256TB total storage with 3GB/s data rates. This provided a performance equivalent to four 64TB SSDs at 1/6th the cost. It combined Nvidia’s BlueField DPU and Nvidia AIStore software to show how a single storage interface using NVMe can address the requirements of AI environments at lower cost than all SSD systems.

Technical Details

The image from a Seagate presentation shows a high-capacity enterprise HDD with an SSD cache, both functioning over a PCIe bus to the DPU, and a special NIC supporting remote direct memory access using NVMe-oF and AIStorage object storage with optional GPUDirect capability for the HDD data. Replacing traditional SAS or SATA HDD interfaces with native NVMe eliminates the need for additional hardware and overhead from host bus adapters, protocol bridges, and SAS infrastructure.

Future of NVMe HDDs

In a conversation after the 2025 GTC with Tom Prohofsky and Mohamad El-Batal from Seagate Technology, they mentioned that the 2025 GTC NVMe HDD demonstration was with HAMR-based Mozaic HDDs with 7nm silicon. Going to a full NVMe HDD future would lead to HDD access without a PCIe switch, further removing storage system overhead and complexity. Being able to create hardware automation with dedicated silicon used for data movement can use less power and improve communication efficiency using NVMe HDDs.

Adoption of NVMe HDDs

So, are NVMe native HDDs going to go into production soon? There are reasons why this might happen. First, HDDs are being made with higher capacity, up to 36TB today, but with more than 50TB per HDD in the next couple of years. Higher capacity is likely to drive the need for dual actuators in these big drives to improve performance, by about 2 times, to enable lower HDD rebuild times, among other advantages. Faster HDD performance could be better used in an NVMe architecture that is built around higher performance storage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NVMe HDDs are likely to show up in some initial storage systems by the end of 2026, likely in conjunction with the introduction of dual actuator HDDs, and NVMe HDDs will dominate in enterprise and data center HDD storage by 2028. The benefits of NVMe HDDs, including reduced storage system complexity, improved performance, and lower power consumption, make them an attractive option for the future of HDD storage.

FAQs

• Q: What is NVMe HDD?
  A: NVMe HDD is a hard disk drive that uses the NVMe interface, which is a protocol designed for high-performance storage devices.
• Q: What are the benefits of NVMe HDDs?
  A: The benefits of NVMe HDDs include reduced storage system complexity, improved performance, lower power consumption, and lower costs.
• Q: When can we expect NVMe HDDs to be available in the market?
  A: NVMe HDDs are likely to show up in some initial storage systems by the end of 2026, and they will dominate in enterprise and data center HDD storage by 2028.
• Q: What is the current capacity of HDDs, and how will it change in the future?
  A: The current capacity of HDDs is up to 36TB, but it is expected to increase to more than 50TB per HDD in the next couple of years.
• Q: How will NVMe HDDs improve performance?
  A: NVMe HDDs will improve performance by using a faster interface and by enabling the use of dual actuators, which can improve performance by about 2 times.

With the rise of future of work innovations, the manufacturing industry is on the cusp of a revolution. The convergence of 3D printing and automation is transforming the way goods are produced, enabling faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective manufacturing processes. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of these technologies on the future of manufacturing.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process that creates physical objects from digital designs by layering materials such as plastics, metals, and ceramics. This technology has been around for decades, but recent advancements have made it more accessible and affordable for businesses and individuals.

Benefits of 3D Printing

The benefits of 3D printing are numerous, including increased speed, reduced waste, and improved product quality. With 3D printing, manufacturers can produce complex geometries and structures that cannot be produced using traditional manufacturing methods. Additionally, 3D printing enables rapid prototyping, allowing businesses to test and refine their products quickly and efficiently.

Applications of 3D Printing

3D printing has a wide range of applications across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer products. In the aerospace industry, 3D printing is used to produce lightweight aircraft components, while in the healthcare industry, it is used to create custom implants and prosthetics.

What is Automation?

Automation refers to the use of technology to automate manufacturing processes, reducing the need for human labor. This can include the use of robots, machine learning algorithms, and other technologies to streamline production and improve efficiency.

Benefits of Automation

The benefits of automation are significant, including increased productivity, improved product quality, and reduced labor costs. Automation also enables manufacturers to produce goods 24/7, without the need for breaks or downtime. Additionally, automation can improve workplace safety by reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Applications of Automation

Automation has a wide range of applications across various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management. In the manufacturing industry, automation is used to assemble and inspect products, while in the logistics industry, it is used to manage inventory and optimize shipping routes.

The Convergence of 3D Printing and Automation

The convergence of 3D printing and automation is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry. By combining these technologies, manufacturers can produce goods faster, more efficiently, and at a lower cost.

Hybrid Manufacturing

Hybrid manufacturing refers to the use of both 3D printing and traditional manufacturing methods to produce goods. This approach enables manufacturers to leverage the benefits of both technologies, producing complex geometries and structures using 3D printing, while using traditional methods for high-volume production.

Smart Factories

Smart factories refer to manufacturing facilities that use automation and other technologies to optimize production and improve efficiency. These factories use data analytics and machine learning algorithms to predict and prevent equipment failures, reduce energy consumption, and improve product quality.

Impact on the Workforce

The convergence of 3D printing and automation is likely to have a significant impact on the workforce. While these technologies will create new job opportunities in fields such as engineering and programming, they will also displace certain jobs, particularly those that involve repetitive or routine tasks.

Upskilling and Reskilling

To prepare for the changing job market, workers will need to acquire new skills, particularly in areas such as programming, data analysis, and engineering. Governments and educational institutions will need to invest in upskilling and reskilling programs to ensure that workers have the skills they need to succeed in the new economy.

Job Creation

While automation and 3D printing may displace certain jobs, they will also create new job opportunities in fields such as maintenance, repair, and programming. Additionally, the growth of the 3D printing and automation industries will create new job opportunities in areas such as sales, marketing, and consulting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the future of manufacturing is being shaped by the convergence of 3D printing and automation. These technologies are transforming the way goods are produced, enabling faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective manufacturing processes. While there will be challenges ahead, particularly in terms of workforce displacement, the benefits of these technologies are significant, and they will play a critical role in shaping the future of manufacturing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is 3D printing?

A: 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process that creates physical objects from digital designs by layering materials such as plastics, metals, and ceramics.

Q: What is automation?

A: Automation refers to the use of technology to automate manufacturing processes, reducing the need for human labor.

Q: How will 3D printing and automation affect the workforce?

A: The convergence of 3D printing and automation will create new job opportunities in fields such as engineering and programming, but will also displace certain jobs, particularly those that involve repetitive or routine tasks.

Q: What skills will workers need to succeed in the new economy?

A: Workers will need to acquire new skills, particularly in areas such as programming, data analysis, and engineering, to succeed in the new economy.

Q: How can governments and educational institutions prepare workers for the changing job market?

A: Governments and educational institutions can invest in upskilling and reskilling programs to ensure that workers have the skills they need to succeed in the new economy.

Q: What are the benefits of 3D printing and automation?

A: The benefits of 3D printing and automation include increased speed, reduced waste, and improved product quality, as well as increased productivity, improved product quality, and reduced labor costs.

Q: What are the applications of 3D printing and automation?

A: 3D printing and automation have a wide range of applications across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer products, as well as manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management.

Introduction to the Importance of AI Education

More than 250 CEOs — from Fortune 500 companies to high-growth startups, financial management firms and educational organizations — have signed an open letter calling for mandatory computer science and AI education for K-12 students in U.S. schools. Without such training, they say, kids risk falling behind in a world driven by technology. Getting U.S. students familiar with AI early will give them advantages later on, the open letter says.

Key Facts

Leaders signing the open letter include CEOs of such high-profile companies as Adobe, Accenture, AMD, American Airlines, Blue Origin, Cognizant, Dell, Dropbox, IBM, LinkedIn, Lyft, Microsoft, Salesforce, Uber, Yahoo and Zoom. “In the age of AI, we must prepare our children for the future — to be AI creators, not just consumers,” the letter says. In an AI-driven economy, widely available computer science and AI courses are the fastest way to shrink skill and wage gaps, and to keep the U.S. ahead in the global AI race, the letter says. “Change is already underway,” it reads. “This movement has bipartisan support from leaders on both sides of the aisle. In the past 10 years, all 50 states have taken steps forward, and 100,000 teachers have started teaching computer science.”

The letter cites research from the Brookings Institution showing that just one high-school computer science course can increase lifetime wages by 8% and employment odds by 3%. It says young women and low-income students see the biggest gains. Twelve U.S. states currently require students to learn basic computer science, but business leaders who signed the letter are pushing for far more. “We have a responsibility to prepare the next generation for the new American dream,” the letter says. “We owe it to them to provide an education that reflects the demands of our time.”

News Peg

This week, the United Arab Emirates announced that it will implement an AI curriculum across all levels of public education in the next academic year. In doing so, it joins Brazil, China, South Korea and Singapore, all of which have already made computer science or AI mandatory for all students. On April 23, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that seeks to foster U.S. AI literacy from a young age through grants for training computer science and AI teachers, public-private partnerships to enhance classroom resources and a national AI-education task force to track progress and gaps ​in K-12 computer science and AI. “Early learning and exposure to AI concepts not only demystifies this powerful technology but also sparks curiosity and creativity, preparing students to become active and responsible participants in the workforce of the future and nurturing the next generation of American AI innovators to propel our nation to new heights of scientific and economic achievement,” says the order titled “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth.”

Why The Open Letter Matters

While some parents and educators worry that popular generative AI tools like ChatGPT could promote cheating and undermine students’ critical thinking and writing skills, the involvement of so many top executives in the conversation about AI and the classroom spotlights both the potential benefits of artificial intelligence literacy for youth and the growing push to make it a core part of U.S. education.

Conclusion

The push for mandatory computer science and AI education in U.S. schools has gained significant momentum with the support of over 250 CEOs from prominent companies. This initiative aims to prepare the next generation for a future driven by technology, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in an AI-driven economy. By incorporating AI education into K-12 curricula, the U.S. can bridge skill and wage gaps, promote innovation, and maintain its competitive edge globally.

FAQs

• Q: Why is AI education important for K-12 students?
  A: AI education is crucial for preparing students for a future dominated by technology, enabling them to become creators rather than just consumers of AI.
• Q: Which countries have already made computer science or AI mandatory for all students?
  A: Countries like Brazil, China, South Korea, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates have implemented or are implementing AI curricula in their public education systems.
• Q: What are the potential benefits of AI literacy for students?
  A: AI literacy can increase lifetime wages, improve employment odds, and foster creativity and critical thinking skills among students.
• Q: How many U.S. states currently require students to learn basic computer science?
  A: Twelve U.S. states require students to learn basic computer science, but there is a push for more comprehensive integration of AI education nationwide.