The AI startup Figure released a demonstration video of the preliminary results of its collaboration with OpenAI. In this video, the company showcased their humanoid robot capable of conversing with humans through the ChatGPT model, perfectly explaining the surrounding environment and objects.
Prior to this, Figure raised $675 million in Series B financing, with investors including Microsoft, OpenAI Startup Fund, NVIDIA, Jeff Bezos (Bezos Expeditions), Parkway Venture Capital, Intel Capital, Align Ventures, and ARK Invest. Apart from funding, Figure and OpenAI also reached a cooperation agreement to combine OpenAI’s research with Figure’s in-depth understanding of robot hardware and software, to develop next-generation AI models for humanoid robots.
Earlier this week, the company released a video showcasing the actual operation of Figure 01. The video shows the robot walking on two legs while connected by a rope, picking up a plastic box with its hands, and placing the box on a conveyor belt after a few steps.
Founded by Brett Adcock in 2022, Figure developed a general-purpose robot called Figure 01, which looks and moves like a human. According to the company, this robot can be used in industries facing severe labor shortages such as manufacturing, transportation logistics, warehousing, and retail.
After collaborating with OpenAI, the latest research results were showcased in the video released this week. Empowered by OpenAI’s large-scale model capabilities, Figure 01 can hand an apple to a human, pack a black plastic bag into a box, and place cups and plates on a draining rack.
Testers asked, “Can I eat something?” After Figure 01 replied, “Of course,” it handed the apple to the tester.
When asked why it gave the apple to the tester, Figure 01 explained, “Because this is the only thing I can give you to eat.”
When asked about its performance, Figure 01 replied, “I think I did pretty well. The apple found a new owner, the trash was cleared, and the tableware was placed where it should be.”
Under the surface, competing with Musk?
It seems Musk has one more reason to dislike OpenAI (previously, Musk sued OpenAI for not fulfilling the initial contract).
In 2021, Musk announced his humanoid robot, Optimus, which can walk around, pick up eggs, and even fold clothes for Tesla.
This is impressive, but it seems someone is using remote control, and then Optimus mimics these actions.
In this regard, Figure 01 is essentially ahead by several centuries. Because Figure 01 does not use any techniques like remote control, as stated by Figure’s co-founder Brett Adcock:
“The video shows an end-to-end neural network. There’s no remote control. And it was shot at 1.0x speed, and it’s continuous.”
Figure’s AI engineer Corey Lynch apparently took pride in his work in a tweet, describing the latest developments while emphasizing that Figure 01 was not remotely controlled.
Repeated emphasis by Figure employees on the fact that their robot is not controlled by humans can only be interpreted as irony towards Musk, who recently sued OpenAI.
Source: TechFundingNews, WallstreetCN, TechNews, gizmodo
Compiled by: MBlock
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute any investment advice. Investors should be aware of the investment risks.
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