Robotics Startup Figure Raises $675 Million in Funding Round with Investments from Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon

Robotics startup Figure recently secured $675 million in funding, attracting investments from notable companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos. The funding round valued the Sunnyvale, California-based company at $2.6 billion.

Development of AI Collaboration:

Additionally, Figure announced a strategic collaboration with OpenAI to enhance generative artificial intelligence for its humanoid robots. According to Yahoo, this partnership aims to leverage cutting-edge technology to advance the capabilities of Figure's robotic solutions.

The recent launch of ChatGPT by OpenAI has sparked significant interest in artificial intelligence across industries, prompting substantial investments to capitalize on this emerging trend. Companies pour millions into AI development to stay competitive in the evolving market landscape.

Expansion and Partnerships:

Apart from the major players like Nvidia and Microsoft, other vital contributors to Figure's funding include the OpenAI Startup Fund, Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, Parkway Venture Capital, Intel Capital, Align Ventures, and ARK Invest. This diverse group highlights the widespread interest in Figure's innovative robotics initiatives.

Brett Adcock, the founder and CEO of Figure, outlined the strategic roadmap for utilizing the raised capital. The company plans to develop advanced language models tailored to robotics applications, scale manufacturing operations, and expand its workforce.

Technological Advancements:

Adcock revealed that Figure would transition to Microsoft Azure for AI infrastructure and training purposes, emphasizing the importance of robust technological support in driving innovation within the robotics sector. The company aims to leverage AI capabilities to enhance the functionality of its humanoid robots.

Wall Street Journal reported that the AI models developed by Figure will be based on OpenAI's latest GPT models, specifically trained on robotics actions data collected by the company. This tailored approach ensures that Figure's humanoid robots possess the ability to communicate, perceive their surroundings, and execute physical tasks efficiently.

Exploring Possibilities in Robotics:

Peter Welinder, Vice President of Product and Partnerships at OpenAI, highlighted the potential of humanoid robots powered by advanced multimodal models. Figure's collaboration with OpenAI signifies a strategic exploration of the capabilities and applications of humanoid robotics.

The growing interest in humanoid robots signifies a shift in focus towards AI-powered solutions that offer versatile interaction possibilities. With partnerships like the one with BMW Manufacturing, Figure is poised to deploy its innovative robotic solutions in diverse industrial settings, paving the way for enhanced automation and efficiency.

Photo: Figure Website