The startup Figure AI aims to produce the world's first humanoid robots, that is, AI-powered robots that move and look like humans.
Now they are on the capital market looking for $675 million, or roughly NOK 7.2 billion given today's exchange rate, according to Bloomberg.
The company has previously stated that the goal of the robots, with the first robot named Figure 01, is to perform hazardous work that is “unsuitable for humans,” while at the same time it wants to contribute to the labor shortage.
This has piqued the interest of several well-known technology giants, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Microsoft and Nvidia.
With a value of 21 billion
According to Bloomberg, Bezos, through the investment company Explore Investments LLC, has committed to pumping $100 million into this financing round.
Meanwhile, an Amazon-linked fund will contribute $50 million.
Other tech giants jumping into the market include Microsoft and Nvidia, contributing $95 and $50 million, respectively. Meanwhile, investment firm Intel will invest $25 million, while Samsung and LG Innotek will contribute $5 and $8.5 million, respectively.
AI giant OpenAI, which at one point, according to Bloomberg, considered buying Figure AI, is also donating $5 million. OpenAI has previously shown interest in developing robots, for example when last year it entered the ownership side of Norwegian company 1X.
According to Bloomberg, Figure AI was priced at around $2 billion before the capital raise, which is approximately NOK 21 billion.
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