Figure, an AI robotics firm focusing on creating versatile humanoid robots, announced a substantial $675 million Series B funding round, valuing the company at $2.6 billion. The investment round saw participation from leading tech giants and investors, including Microsoft, OpenAI Startup Fund, NVIDIA, Jeff Bezos through Bezos Expeditions, Parkway Venture Capital, Intel Capital, Align Ventures, and ARK Invest. This financial boost is set to fast-track Figure's efforts towards commercial deployment of humanoid robots.
In a strategic move to enhance the development of its humanoid robots, Figure has also entered into a collaboration agreement with OpenAI. This partnership is aimed at integrating OpenAI's advanced AI research with Figure's robotics expertise to improve the robots' ability to understand and process language, thereby accelerating the path to commercial readiness.
Peter Welinder from OpenAI expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting Figure's impressive advancements in robotics. He anticipates this partnership will unlock new capabilities for humanoid robots, extending their utility in daily tasks and applications.
Figure's team, comprising industry veterans from high-profile companies like Boston Dynamics, Tesla, Google DeepMind, and Archer Aviation, has made notable strides in AI, robotics development, and testing. The company also announced a commercial agreement with BMW Manufacturing to introduce humanoid robots into the automotive production process. The fresh capital will be directed towards expanding AI training, ramping up robot manufacturing, increasing engineering personnel, and pushing forward with commercial deployment.
Microsoft's collaboration will provide Figure with access to Azure's AI infrastructure and services, aiding in the development and deployment process. Jon Tinter of Microsoft highlighted the potential of this partnership to accelerate AI innovations.
Brett Adcock, Founder and CEO of Figure, emphasized the goal to introduce humanoid robots into commercial settings rapidly. The combined investment and partnerships with OpenAI and Microsoft are poised to significantly impact the introduction of AI-driven robotics into practical applications, marking a pivotal step in the evolution of AI and robotics technology.
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