Figure AI and OpenAI Part Ways in Humanoid Robotics Development

Figure AI, a robotics firm specializing in humanoid robots, has announced the termination of its collaboration with OpenAI. The decision, conveyed by Figure AI's CEO via social media, stems from a belief that OpenAI's artificial intelligence models do not meet the specific needs of humanoid robotics. Figure AI claims to have made significant advancements in AI technology and intends to focus on developing its proprietary system moving forward.

While the CEO has withheld specific details regarding the nature of this breakthrough, he hinted that Figure AI plans to unveil something unprecedented in humanoid robotics within the next month.

The partnership between Figure AI and OpenAI was originally established to jointly create AI models tailored for the next generation of humanoid robots. These models were intended to enhance the robots' audiovisual perception and speech capabilities, thereby improving their ability to work alongside humans.

However, challenges arose as Figure AI reported that the generative AI models provided by OpenAI were too generalized and lacked the necessary specificity for humanoid robot applications. As a result, Figure AI has decided to pursue the development of an integrated system that combines both hardware and software, all crafted by their internal team.

This shift in strategy is anticipated to be resource-intensive and costly. Nevertheless, Figure AI is backed by prominent investors, including tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia, Intel, and LG, which may provide the necessary financial support as they embark on this ambitious project. Additionally, the company has begun generating revenue through the sale of humanoid robots to early industrial adopters.

It remains uncertain whether OpenAI will continue to support Figure AI financially as they transition to independent operations. The two companies are now poised to move forward on separate paths, with OpenAI's own robotics development efforts, initially initiated in 2020, now being revitalized.