Robotic startup Figure, though less than two years old and without a commercial product, has secured significant support from influential tech industry players for its ambitious plan to introduce billions of human-like robots into workplaces and homes worldwide. This backing includes a substantial $675 million venture capital funding round led by Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder, along with contributions from Microsoft, Nvidia, and the startup-funding divisions of Amazon, Intel, and OpenAI.
OpenAI, known for developing advanced AI systems like ChatGPT, has entered into a partnership with Figure, aiming to integrate its AI technology into humanoid robots. This collaboration, announced by the Sunnyvale, California-based Figure, holds the promise of expanding the capabilities of robots to assist in various daily tasks. Peter Welinder, OpenAI’s vice president of product and partnerships, sees the partnership as opening up new avenues for robots to contribute to everyday life.
While the financial details of the Figure-OpenAI partnership remain undisclosed, the collaboration will involve OpenAI crafting specialized AI models for Figure’s humanoid robots, likely drawing from its existing technology such as GPT language models and image and video generators. This integration of advanced AI capabilities will enhance the robots’ ability to process and reason from language, potentially accelerating Figure’s commercial timeline.
Figure CEO Brett Adcock envisions a future where humanoids can undertake tasks that humans are unwilling to do due to labor shortages, suggesting the potential for millions, even billions, of humanoid robot sales. The company has already secured agreements, such as with BMW, to deploy its robots in various settings, including car manufacturing plants. However, opinions among robotics experts vary regarding the practicality of humanoid robots, with many emphasizing the challenges in developing effective robotic limbs and appendages.
OpenAI’s renewed interest in robotics, hinted at by CEO Sam Altman, signals a shift in focus after earlier experiments in the field were put on hold. Altman emphasizes the importance of first developing intelligence and cognition before tackling physicality in robotics, reflecting a strategic approach to leveraging AI technology for robotic applications.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Business Today
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