Figure Breaks Away from OpenAI: A New Era in Humanoid Robotics?
This week, the humanoid robotics landscape took an unexpected turn as Figure, a prominent player in the field, announced its decision to part ways with OpenAI. Instead of leaning on established AI models, the company is pivoting towards developing its own in-house solutions. Figure’s CEO, Brett Adcock, hinted at a “major breakthrough” on the horizon, teasing an unveiling of “something no one has ever seen on a humanoid” set for next month. Intrigued yet?
An Emerging Trend in AI Development
Figure isn’t alone in this shift. Just last week, research teams from Stanford and the University of Washington made waves by demonstrating that training an effective reasoning model could cost less than $50 in cloud compute credits. This revelation starkly contrasts with the hefty expenses typically associated with using OpenAI’s models. It seems that the industry may be stepping away from reliance on major players toward more cost-effective and innovative alternatives.
What This Means for the Future
As the tech landscape evolves, so too do the strategies of companies navigating it. The shift from OpenAI to in-house development could signal a broader trend where businesses start to assert their independence in AI technology. This week, the tech world’s attention turned to TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, where hosts Kirsten Korosec, Margaux MacColl, and Max Zeff discussed the implications of this potential shift in power dynamics.
They explored how advancements like these might disrupt established norms, not just for startups but across the tech sphere. Whether this leads to more personalized AI technologies or unique functionalities in humanoid robotics remains to be seen.
What’s Next?
As we await Figure’s upcoming announcement, one can’t help but wonder what innovative solutions are brewing behind the scenes. The AI community is buzzing with anticipation, and for good reason. Could this new in-house model redefine the capabilities of humanoid robots? Only time will tell!
But don’t just take our word for it. Tune into Equity for more insights and discussions on emerging trends in technology every Wednesday and Friday. The podcast, produced by Theresa Loconsolo, remains the go-to resource for the latest in tech news.
Join the Conversation
If you’re captivated by these developments in AI and humanoid robotics, subscribe to Equity on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Keep up with their updates on social platforms like X and Threads at @EquityPod. For those who prefer reading, the full episode transcripts are available in their archives.
In a world where technological innovation is incredibly fast-paced, staying informed is crucial. Whether you’re a die-hard tech enthusiast or a curious newbie, the unfolding narrative of AI and robotics is something you won’t want to miss.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
