A seismic shift has occurred in the world of humanoid robotics. Figure, the AI robotics company backed by giants like Microsoft and Nvidia, has announced the termination of its collaboration with OpenAI, sending ripples of surprise and speculation throughout the AI community.
In a tweet posted in the early hours, Figure founder and CEO Brett Adcock declared the end of the partnership, citing a major breakthrough in Figure’s development of fully autonomous, end-to-end robot AI. Adcock further tantalized the industry with a promise to unveil something never seen before in humanoid robots within the next 30 days.
This sudden split is particularly noteworthy given the relatively short duration of the partnership. Just under a year ago, on February 29th, Figure announced a staggering $675 million Series B funding round, valuing the company at $2.6 billion. The investment was fueled by industry heavyweights including Microsoft, Intel, OpenAI Startup Fund, Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, and Nvidia.
A key element of that announcement was the partnership with OpenAI. The collaboration aimed to leverage OpenAI’s expertise to build specialized AI models for Figure’s humanoid robots, enabling them to process and reason with language. A subsequent video demonstration showcased Figure 01, the company’s robot, engaging in comprehensive conversations with humans using OpenAI’s technology. By August, the companies announced that the next-generation Figure 02 robot would also utilize OpenAI’s models.
What does this mean for the future of humanoid robotics?
The implications of Figure’s decision are far-reaching. Several questions arise:
- What constitutes this major breakthrough in Figure’s in-house AI? The specifics remain shrouded in mystery, but Adcock’s bold claim suggests a significant leap forward in autonomous robot capabilities.
- What drove Figure to abandon a seemingly fruitful partnership with OpenAI? Was it a matter of control, cost, or a fundamental disagreement in approach?
- How will OpenAI respond? Will they seek new partners in the humanoid robotics space, or focus on other applications of their AI technology?
- Will Figure be able to deliver on its promise? The next 30 days will be crucial in determining whether the company can truly revolutionize the field.
The Road Ahead
Figure’s decision to go it alone signifies a growing trend in the AI robotics industry: the pursuit of complete autonomy. While partnerships can provide valuable resources and expertise, companies are increasingly striving to develop proprietary AI solutions that give them a competitive edge.
The coming weeks will be closely watched by investors, researchers, and enthusiasts alike. Figure’s promised demonstration has the potential to redefine the landscape of humanoid robotics and accelerate the development of increasingly sophisticated and autonomous machines. The world is waiting to see if Figure can deliver on its ambitious vision.
References
- Figure Announces $675 Million Series B Funding and Partnership with OpenAI. (2023, February 29). Retrieved from [Hypothetical Source for Figure’s Announcement].
- Adcock, B. [@brettadcock]. (2024, February 5). Announcing the termination of our partnership with OpenAI… [Tweet]. Twitter. [Hypothetical Twitter Link]
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