News Summary

Figure AI, a Bay Area-based robotics company, has announced its decision to end its partnership with OpenAI, opting instead to focus on developing its own in-house AI models. The decision follows a significant breakthrough in AI technology, as stated by Figure’s founder and CEO, Brett Adcock. The company had previously engaged with OpenAI to develop AI models for humanoid robots, but integration challenges led to the shift. Figure has raised a total of $1.5 billion in funding, with a recent $675 million round valuing the company at $2.6 billion. The move to in-house models aligns with Figure’s strategy to vertically integrate robot AI, as outsourcing was deemed unsuitable for their specific hardware needs. This strategic pivot comes amidst OpenAI’s ongoing interests in humanoid robotics, including its backing of Norwegian startup 1X and a recent trademark application for humanoid technology.