Microsoft and OpenAI Considers Investing in Humanoid Robotics

Both Companies Consider Investing Up to $100 Million

Microsoft (MS) and OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, are in talks to invest in FigureAI, a humanoid robot development startup.

According to Bloomberg on the 31st (local time), MS and OpenAI are considering investing $95 million and $5 million respectively in FigureAI’s funding round, which is raising $500 million (approximately 666 billion won). FigureAI is reportedly seeking additional investors to participate in this round of funding.

FigureAI develops robots equipped with AI that mimic human appearance and movement. The company hopes that its robot, named “Figure 01”, will perform dangerous tasks on behalf of humans and contribute to solving labor shortages.

An insider said, “As a result of this deal, FigureAI’s pre-funding corporate value could be valued at $1.9 billion. The valuation could increase depending on the amount of funding raised.” However, this funding plan has not yet been definitively decided, and there is a possibility that the investment amount may change or the deal may be completely called off.

Previously, the company raised $70 million in a funding round led by Parkway Venture Capital in May last year. At the time, Brett Adcock, CEO of FigureAI, stated, “We want to be one of the first groups to bring a commercially viable humanoid that can help to the market.”