Skip to main content

Module 5: Foundation Models & VLA Architecture

π0, OpenVLA, Diffusion Policy & Robot Brains

Duration: 9 hours · Level: Advanced · Lessons: 5

The most consequential shift in robotics since deep learning: general-purpose neural policies that turn language + vision into robot actions. Understand the architecture powering the next generation.

Prerequisites​

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module you will be able to:

  • Understand the full VLA architecture from input to motor command
  • Compare π0, OpenVLA, RT-2, and Diffusion Policy on capability and cost
  • Fine-tune an open-source VLA for a specific manipulation task

Lessons in this module​

  1. 5.1 — From Narrow Policies to General-Purpose Robot Brains · 50 min
  2. 5.2 — π0 — Diffusion-Based Whole-Body Control · 75 min
  3. 5.3 — OpenVLA — The Open-Source VLA Ecosystem · 60 min
  4. 5.4 — Diffusion Policy — Visuomotor Control via Denoising · 60 min
  5. 5.5 — Deploying VLAs on G1: Architecture & Integration · 65 min

👉 Start here: 5.1 — From Narrow Policies to General-Purpose Robot Brains