Bloomberg reported that Microsoft and OpenAI are exploring options to invest in humanoid robot startup Figure, with a potential investment of up to $500 million.

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Microsoft and OpenAI aim to integrate AI technology into the production of smart robots

Figure aims to 'deploy humanoid autonomous robots' for high-risk jobs around the world . The potential investment could bring Figure's valuation to $1.9 billion, making the startup the first 'unicorn' in the sector.

While the investment has yet to be officially confirmed, it fits well with OpenAI’s strategic interests in robotics and AI integration. CEO Sam Altman has previously shared the company’s vision of investing in robotics as a bridge between artificial intelligence (AI) and physical applications.

OpenAI previously invested in another robotics startup called 1X Technologies. To date, 1X Technologies has raised $100 million, with OpenAI leading a $23.5 million Series A round.

Figure was founded by CEO Brett Adcock in 2022. He formed the company with a team of robotics experts from Tesla and Boston Dynamics. The company also signed a partnership agreement with BMW (Germany) in early January 2024.

Recognized for its groundbreaking work in AI, OpenAI sees robotics as a natural progression for its technologies. By leveraging its experience with large language models, such as ChatGPT, OpenAI is looking to create robots that can interact naturally with humans, ushering in a new generation of robots capable of tackling dangerous, menial tasks, reshaping the job market, especially in labor-intensive industries.

Experts warn that building fully autonomous intelligent robots could take decades due to the complexity of modeling AI systems on human cognitive structures. Despite these challenges, Microsoft and OpenAI remain steadfast in their efforts to integrate AI into robots, with the ambition of making robots a regular human assistant in the future.

(according to Bloomberg)

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