SUNNYVALE, California. Humanoid robot-maker Figure has announced a groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI, a leading AI research organization, to integrate artificial intelligence systems into the bodies of humanoid robots. This collaboration comes alongside a significant investment of $675 million in venture capital funding from prominent tech figures, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Microsoft, chipmaker Nvidia, and the startup-funding divisions of Intel and OpenAI.
Figure, a relatively new player in the robotics industry, aims to revolutionize workplaces and homes worldwide by introducing billions of human-like robots. Despite being less than two years old and lacking a commercial product, Figure has managed to garner support from influential backers in the tech industry.
“If we can just get humanoids to do work that humans are not wanting to do because there’s a shortfall of humans, we can sell millions of humanoids, billions maybe,” explained Figure CEO Brett Adcock.
For OpenAI, known for its work on large language models like ChatGPT, this partnership marks a shift towards exploring the intersection of robotics and artificial intelligence. According to Peter Welinder, Vice President of Product and Partnerships at OpenAI, the collaboration will unlock new possibilities for how robots can assist in daily life.
While financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the collaboration will see OpenAI developing specialized AI models tailored for Figure’s humanoid robots. Leveraging OpenAI’s existing technology such as GPT language models, DALL-E image-generator, and the new video-generator Sora, Figure’s robots will be equipped to process and reason from language, accelerating the company’s commercial timeline.
Despite the potential of humanoid robots, robotics experts remain divided on their practicality. Whitney Rockley, co-founder of McRock Capital, emphasizes the technical challenges and long-term commitment required for humanoid solutions.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hinted at a renewed interest in robotics, citing past challenges and the need for intelligence and cognition before tackling physicality. With Figure’s ambitious vision and OpenAI’s expertise, the partnership aims to reshape the landscape of robotics and artificial intelligence.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
