Figure AI Exits OpenAI Deal, Promises Groundbreaking Humanoid Robot in 30 Days
In a surprising turn of events, Figure AI, the Bay Area-based humanoid robotics firm, has announced its exit from a collaboration with OpenAI. Founder and CEO Brett Adcock revealed the decision on Tuesday, citing a “major breakthrough” in the company’s in-house AI development. While details remain scarce, Adcock promised to unveil “something no one has ever seen on a humanoid” within the next 30 days.
The partnership between figure AI and OpenAI, announced last year, aimed to “develop next-generation AI models for humanoid robots.” At the time, Figure also secured a $675 million funding round, valuing the company at $2.6 billion. To date, the robotics firm has raised a total of $1.5 billion, positioning itself as a major player in the rapidly evolving humanoid robotics space.
The decision to part ways with OpenAI comes as a surprise, given the latter’s cultural influence in mainstreaming generative AI. OpenAI’s association has often provided a meaningful profile boost to its partners. For instance, in August, the two companies announced that Figure 02, Figure’s humanoid robot, would leverage OpenAI’s models for natural language interaction.
However, Adcock explained that the collaboration faced challenges in integration. “We found that to solve embodied AI at scale in the real world, you have to vertically integrate robot AI,” he told TechCrunch. “We can’t outsource AI for the same reason we can’t outsource our hardware.” OpenAI’s focus on large-scale intelligence models, rather than embodied AI—which brings artificial intelligence to physical objects like robots—appears to have been a key factor in the split.
OpenAI has also diversified its investments in the humanoid robotics sector.The company is a major backer of 1X, a Norwegian startup that has shifted its focus from industrial applications to home settings.Figure AI, too, has explored the potential of its robots in domestic environments, as Adcock revealed during a visit to the company’s Sunnyvale office last September.
However, Figure’s primary focus remains on industrial applications, particularly in the automotive sector. Last year, BMW announced it had begun deploying Figure’s humanoid robots at a South Carolina factory, highlighting the automaker’s confidence in the technology.
Simultaneously occurring,OpenAI might potentially be exploring its own foray into humanoid hardware. Last Friday, the company filed a trademark application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that references “user-programmable humanoid robots” and “humanoid robots having communication and learning functions for assisting and entertaining people.” While such filings don’t guarantee future products, the timing of this news, coupled with Figure’s proclamation, has sparked intrigue in the industry.
Figure’s decision to focus on in-house AI development aligns with a broader trend in the humanoid robotics sector. Companies like Boston Dynamics have also been working on proprietary AI models, though partnerships remain prevalent.Such as, Boston dynamics recently teamed up with Toyota Research Institute (TRI) to enhance the AI capabilities of its Atlas humanoid robot.
The move toward vertical integration mirrors the Apple ecosystem approach, where hardware and software are developed in tandem to ensure seamless functionality. While this strategy is resource-intensive, it offers significant advantages in creating highly optimized systems.
As Figure AI prepares to unveil its groundbreaking innovation, the industry will be watching closely.With its massive funding rounds and rapid expansion, the company is well-positioned to push the boundaries of what humanoid robots can achieve.
Key Highlights: Figure AI and OpenAI Split
Table of Contents
- Figure AI Exits OpenAI Deal, Promises Groundbreaking Humanoid Robot in 30 Days
- the decision to Go Solo: What Led to Figure AI’s Break with OpenAI?
- The Promise of a Groundbreaking Humanoid Robot: What Can We Expect?
- OpenAI’s Potential Move into humanoid Hardware: A Rivalry in the Making?
- the Broader Trend: Vertical Integration in Robotics and AI
- The Future of humanoid Robotics: What’s Next?
- Conclusion
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Announcement | Figure AI exits OpenAI deal to focus on in-house AI development. |
| Reason | Challenges in integrating OpenAI’s models with Figure’s hardware. |
| CEO Statement | Brett Adcock promises a groundbreaking humanoid robot in 30 days. |
| Funding | Figure AI has raised $1.5 billion, with a $2.6 billion valuation. |
| Industrial Focus | BMW deploying Figure robots in a South Carolina factory. |
| OpenAI’s Moves | Trademark filing hints at potential humanoid hardware development. |
What do you think about Figure AI’s decision to go solo? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for updates on the company’s upcoming reveal!
Figure AI Exits OpenAI Deal, Promises Groundbreaking Humanoid Robot in 30 Days
In a surprising turn of events, Figure AI, the Bay Area-based humanoid robotics firm, has announced its exit from a collaboration with OpenAI. founder adn CEO Brett Adcock revealed the decision on Tuesday, citing a “major breakthrough” in the company’s in-house AI development. While details remain scarce, Adcock promised to unveil “something no one has ever seen on a humanoid” within the next 30 days. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Dr. Eleanor Martinez, a renowned expert in robotics and AI, to unpack the implications of this decision and what it means for the future of humanoid robotics.
the decision to Go Solo: What Led to Figure AI’s Break with OpenAI?
Senior Editor: Dr. Martinez, thank you for joining us. Figure AI’s decision to end its partnership with OpenAI seems to have taken many by surprise. What do you think were the key factors behind this move?
Dr. Eleanor Martinez: Thank you for having me. The decision, while unexpected, makes sense when you consider the challenges of integrating OpenAI’s large-scale intelligence models with Figure’s hardware. As Brett Adcock mentioned, embodied AI—bringing artificial intelligence to physical robots—requires a level of vertical integration that outsourcing simply can’t achieve. OpenAI’s expertise lies in generative AI, which is fantastic for natural language processing and other applications, but humanoid robotics demands a more specialized approach. Figure AI seems to have recognized that to achieve its vision, it needs full control over both the hardware and the AI driving it.
The Promise of a Groundbreaking Humanoid Robot: What Can We Expect?
Senior Editor: Figure AI’s CEO has promised a groundbreaking humanoid robot in just 30 days. What do you think “groundbreaking” could mean in this context?
dr. Eleanor Martinez: It’s an exciting claim, isn’t it? Given the company’s focus on vertical integration, I suspect this robot will feature unprecedented synergy between its hardware and AI capabilities. We could see advancements in real-time decision-making, improved dexterity, or even enhanced adaptability to dynamic environments.The mention of “something no one has ever seen” suggests a unique feature or functionality—perhaps a novel way of interacting with humans or performing complex tasks.It’s also worth noting that Figure AI has been working closely with industrial partners like BMW, so this innovation could have significant implications for sectors like manufacturing and logistics.
OpenAI’s Potential Move into humanoid Hardware: A Rivalry in the Making?
Senior Editor: OpenAI’s recent trademark filing hints at its own potential foray into humanoid hardware.Do you see this as a direct response to Figure AI’s decision?
Dr. Eleanor Martinez: It’s certainly an interesting development. OpenAI has been diversifying its investments in robotics,as seen with its backing of 1X,a Norwegian startup. The timing of this trademark filing suggests that OpenAI is exploring ways to bring its AI expertise to physical robots. However, I wouldn’t necessarily call it a direct response to Figure AI. Rather, it reflects the growing recognition that embodied AI is a critical frontier in technology. That said, if both companies pursue humanoid robotics independently, we could see some fascinating competition and innovation in the space.
the Broader Trend: Vertical Integration in Robotics and AI
senior Editor: Figure AI’s move aligns with a broader trend of vertical integration in robotics. Why is this approach gaining traction?
Dr.Eleanor Martinez: Vertical integration, as seen in companies like Apple, offers significant advantages in creating highly optimized systems. In robotics, this means developing both the hardware and the AI in tandem to ensure seamless functionality. It’s resource-intensive, but it allows for tighter control over performance, security, and innovation. Companies like Boston Dynamics have also been leaning into this approach. For Figure AI, this strategy could be key to delivering a product that stands out in a competitive market. It’s particularly important for humanoid robots, which face unique challenges in balancing form, function, and intelligence.
The Future of humanoid Robotics: What’s Next?
Senior Editor: As we look ahead,what do you think the next big milestone will be for humanoid robotics?
Dr. Eleanor Martinez: The next big milestone will likely be the widespread adoption of humanoid robots in practical, real-world applications. We’re already seeing this in industrial settings, such as BMW’s deployment of Figure’s robots. The challenge now is to expand into more complex environments,like homes and healthcare. Achieving this will require not just technological advancements but also public acceptance and regulatory clarity. Figure AI’s upcoming reveal could be a significant step in this direction, especially if it demonstrates new levels of versatility and reliability.
Conclusion
Figure AI’s decision to go solo marks a bold step in its journey to redefine humanoid robotics. By focusing on in-house AI development, the company aims to overcome the limitations of outsourcing and deliver a truly groundbreaking product. As openai explores its own potential in the hardware space,the stage is set for an exciting era of innovation and competition in the robotics industry. We’ll be watching closely as Figure AI prepares to unveil its latest creation in the coming weeks.
