AI Robotics company Figure raises $675M at $2.6B valuation from Microsoft, OpenAI, NVIDIA, Intel, Jeff Bezos, others

Sunnyvale, California-based Figure, an AI Robotics company building the world’s first commercially viable autonomous humanoid robot, announced on Thursday that it has secured $675M (approximately €624M) at a $2.6B valuation.

The investment comes from an array of tech giants, including 

• Microsoft
• OpenAI Startup Fund
• NVIDIA
• Jeff Bezos (through Bezos Expeditions)
•  Parkway Venture Capital
• Intel Capital
• Align Ventures

Alongside the funding, a collaboration agreement has been inked between OpenAI and Figure to pioneer the development of next-generation AI models tailored for humanoid robots.

The collaboration with OpenAI aims to enhance the capabilities of humanoid robots to process and reason from language, accelerating it’s commercial timeline.

This investment will accelerate Figure’s timeline for commercial deployment of humanoid robots, with funds committed for AI training, manufacturing, robot deployment, expanding engineering teams, and advancing commercial efforts. 

Figure AI: Deploying autonomous humanoid workers

Founded by Brett Adcock, Figure AI is a first-of-its-kind AI robotics company that aims to bring a general-purpose humanoid to life.

By combining cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence, Figure AI is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of robotics.

The company’s Figure 01 is the world’s first commercially viable autonomous humanoid robot.

Standing at a height of 5’6″ and weighing 60kg, Figure 01 is designed to operate in various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and retail.

“These robots can eliminate the need for unsafe and undesirable jobs — ultimately allowing us to live happier, more purposeful lives,” says the company. 

One of the key reasons the company has chosen a human form factor for their robot is the compatibility of our world with the human form. 

The human body’s dexterity, with hands for opening doors and using tools, as well as arms and legs for efficient movement, climbing stairs, and lifting boxes, makes it an ideal choice for a versatile robot.

The US company has managed to attract some of the world’s leading robotics experts, forming a team with over 100 years of combined experience in AI and humanoid robotics.