The media published information according to which United Parcel Service (UPS) and Figure AI are currently considering the possibility of cooperation.
If the mentioned intentions are transformed into real actions, humanoid robots developed by Figure AI will perform certain tasks within the framework of the logistics company’s operations. This can be a significant example of the robotization of separate business segments. Negotiations between the robotics startup and the logistics company are ongoing. This information was published by the media with reference to anonymous insiders who were aware of the mentioned process.
UPS stated in the report that it does not intend to discuss potential vendor partners and that it regularly explores a wide range of technologies, including robotics.
The media noted that there is currently no information regarding what functions robots from Figure AI will perform as part of a potential use in the logistics company’s business.
In February, a robotics startup posted a video on the social media platform X showing robots sorting small parcels on a conveyor belt. Also in the mentioned month, Figure AI announced that it had succeeded in raising $675 million in a Series B funding round. The startup also stated that it has reached a cooperation agreement with OpenAI. It was noted that as part of the implementation of this partnership, activities will be carried out to develop artificial intelligence models for humanoid robots. Figure AI also stated that it will leverage Microsoft Azure for machine intelligence infrastructure, training, and storage.
Figure AI founder and chief executive officer Brett Adcock stated that the startup’s vision is to bring humanoid robots into commercial operations as soon as possible. It was also noted that the mentioned investment combined with the partnership with Microsoft and OpenAI ensures that the robot developer is well prepared to bring embodied machine intelligence to the world to make a transformative impact on humanity.
Financial injections in Figure AI are an example of the increased interest in robotics in the context of the so-called artificial intelligence boom, which in recent years has become a global process demonstrating what can be described as a high level of upward intensity.
Sarah Sebo, an assistant professor of computer science at the University of Chicago, where she directs the Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) Lab, said during a conversation with media representatives that machine intelligence could enable robots to better understand their environments, allowing them better detect objects and people they come across.
In March, The Bot Company, which develops artificial intelligence software and hardware for humanoid robots that can perform household tasks, raised $150 million in a funding round. After that, the total volume of financial injections in the mentioned firm reached $300 million.
In January, humanoid robotics company 1X acquired robotics startup Kind Humanoid, stating that this move brought together two teams that strive to advance humanoid technology. Kind Humanoid has developed a bipedal humanoid robot that is designed for home use and for areas such as healthcare.
As we have reported earlier, Figure AI Transforms Humanoid Robotics With Vision-Language-Action Model Helix.
