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				<p><img alt="Figure AI in talks with Microsoft and OpenAI for funding. Figure-01 robot in front of OpenAI green logo, Microsoft blue, red, green, and yellow logo, and futuristic background" data-lazy-src="https://readwrite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Figure-AI-in-talks-with-Microsoft-and-OpenAI-for-funding-825x500.png" decoding="async" height="500" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20825%20500'%3E%3C/svg%3E" width="825"></img>				</p>
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					<p>Figure AI, a company that specializes in the development of humanoid robots, is planning to secure $500 million in a funding round led by Microsoft Corp. and OpenAI, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-30/humanoid-robot-startup-figure-ai-in-funding-talks-for-over-2-billion-valuation" rel="noopener" target="_blank">according</a> to Bloomberg.</p>
<p>Although the tech giant reportedly will not provide the full amount, it is said to be investing approximately $95 million alongside <a href="https://readwrite.com/">OpenAI</a>, which will contribute $5 million. If the funding round is successful, the company might achieve a pre-money valuation of $1.9 billion.</p>
<p>However, the funding round is not yet finalized, and there is always the possibility of talks collapsing. The potential investors and Figure AI have also not commented on the situation.</p>
<h2>Why is Figure AI creating humanoid robots?</h2>
<p>Figure AI’s website <a href="https://www.figure.ai/master-plan" rel="noopener" target="_blank">states</a> that it aims to amalgamate new AI technologies with robotics, in order “to develop general purpose humanoids that make a positive impact on humanity and create a better life for future generations.â€ It believes that by creating humanoid robots, “unsafe and undesirable jobsâ€ can be eliminated, thus helping to plug unprecedented labor shortages.</p>
<p>However, the California-based company said that its priority will be in industries such as manufacturing, shipping and logistics, warehousing, and retail, “where labor shortages are the most severe.â€</p>
<p>The AI-powered robot is set to look like a human called Figure 01, equipped with “two legs, two arms, hands, and screen for a face.â€ Brett Adcock, founder and CEO, said it has <a href="https://readwrite.com/figure-ai-makes-significant-progress-in-end-to-end-humanoid-training/">managed to make coffee like a human.</a></p>
<p>Adcock added that his sole focus is “building Figure with a 30-year view to positively impact the future of humanity.â€ Earlier this month, the <a href="https://readwrite.com/figure-ai-robotics-firm-sign-major-deal-with-bmw/">company signed a deal with BMW</a> to have its robot work in the car developer’s United States’ facilities.</p>
<h2>Where do robots work today?</h2>
<p>There are already several devices being used in the workforce such as <a href="https://readwrite.com/these-five-types-of-robots-support-warehouse-workflows/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">warehouse robots</a>, who help get work done in giant facilities. Similarly, an affordable robot has been created to help with intricate tasks called <a href="https://readwrite.com/mobile-aloha-affordable-robot-masters-intricate-tasks/">Mobile ALOHA</a>. Stanford University scientists used AI, readily available components and 3D-printed hardware to make the £32,000 robot.</p>
<p>AI and robotics are also <a href="https://readwrite.com/how-ai-robotics-are-transforming-the-health-care-industry/">working in several healthcare establishments</a>, carrying out tasks such as genetic testing, robotic surgery, cancer research, data collection, and more.</p>
<p><em><strong>Featured image: Canva / Figure AI / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en" rel="noopener">Mike Mozart</a></strong></em></p>
					
					

					

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							<p><img alt="" data-lazy-src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cda21c62d7e35cb3ae1b2a715ef88dac?s=125&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g" data-lazy-srcset="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cda21c62d7e35cb3ae1b2a715ef88dac?s=250&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g 2x" decoding="async" height="125" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20125%20125'%3E%3C/svg%3E" width="125"></img>							</p>
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								<h3><a href="https://readwrite.com/author/suswati-basu/">Suswati Basu</a></h3>
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									Freelance journalist
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									<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/suswatibasu/">Suswati Basu</a> is a multilingual, award-winning editor and the founder of the intersectional literature channel, <a href="https://howtobe247.com/">How To Be Books</a>. She was shortlisted for the Guardian Mary Stott Prize and longlisted for the Guardian International Development Journalism Award.&#xD;
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With 18 years of experience in the media industry, Suswati has held significant roles such as head of audience and deputy editor for <a href="https://www.nationalworld.com/author/suswati-basu">NationalWorld</a> news, digital editor for <a href="https://www.channel4.com/news/">Channel 4 News</a>&#xD;
 and ITV News. She has also contributed to the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/profile/suswati-basu">Guardian</a> and received training at the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/">BBC</a> As an audience, trends, and SEO specialist, she has participated in panel events alongside Google.&#xD;
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Her career also includes a seven-year tenure at the leading AI company <a href="https://www.dataminr.com/blog/author/suswati-basu">Dataminr</a>, where she led the Europe desk and launched the company's first employee resource group for disabilities. Before this, Suswati worked as a journalist in China for four years, investigating censorship and the Great Firewall, and acquired proficiency in several languages.&#xD;
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In recent years, Suswati has been nominated for six awards, including the Independent Podcast Awards, International Women's Podcast Awards, and the Anthem Awards for her literary social affairs show.&#xD;
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Her areas of speciality span a wide range, including technology, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), social politics, mental health, and nonfiction books.								</p>
								
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