In recent months, startup Figure AI, which develops general-purpose humanoid robots, has attracted significant investment from leading tech giants including Jeff Bezos, Nvidia and Microsoft. The total value of the latest financing round was $675 million, bringing the company's valuation to $2 billion. These investments reflect the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the growing interest in humanoid robotics.
Jeff Bezos, through his company Explore Investments LLC, invested $100 million, while Microsoft committed $95 million. Nvidia and an Amazon-related fund invested $50 million each. The other investors included: Intel, LG Innotek and Samsung.
Startup Figure AI, founded in Sunnyvale, California, develops humanoid robots capable of performing a wide range of tasks in a variety of environments, such as warehouses, retail spaces and production lines. The first robot model, Figure 01, is an autonomous device that can learn through observation and perform complex tasks. For example, the robot learned how to make coffee in just 10 hours of observation.
Despite ambitious plans and advanced technology, many people express concerns about the potential risks associated with such robots. This is reminiscent of the plot of the Skynet and Terminator movies, where good intentions turned into disaster. Investors and scientists assure that their goal is to improve the quality of people's lives by eliminating dangerous and unwanted work. However, in the context of growing geopolitical tensions and the arms race, it is difficult to exclude the possibility of military use of such technologies.
History shows that new technologies are often used in ways that endanger humanity. Will humanoid robots, developed with the support of giants such as Bezos and Nvidia, actually bring more benefits than harm? The potential military applications and impact on the labor market are of serious concern. The mass implementation of robots may lead to the loss of millions of jobs around the world, which will radically change the employment structure and cause numerous social consequences.
Investors are certainly counting on significant profits from the development of this technology, but the scientific community and policymakers should closely monitor progress and introduce appropriate regulations to prevent potential negative effects. Ultimately, the future of humanoid robots depends on how they are used and what legal framework is established to protect society from their abuse.
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