Latest news with #BrettAdcock
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UPS Explores Humanoid Robots As Figure AI Secures $675M From Jeff Bezos, OpenAI, And Intel, Targeting $9B Revenue By 2029
, the robotics company aiming to build the first commercially viable humanoid worker, recently announced it secured a staggering $675 million in funding from some of the biggest names in tech and venture capital, including Jeff Bezos, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), OpenAI, and Intel (NASDAQ:INTC). Now valued at $2.6 billion, the San Jose, California-based startup is in talks with United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS) to integrate its humanoid robots into the global shipping giant's logistics infrastructure, according to Bloomberg. Don't Miss: 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Figure AI was founded in 2022 by serial entrepreneur Brett Adcock, who previously launched Vettery and Archer Aviation (NYSE:ACHR). Adcock's bio says that his goal is to create a fully autonomous humanoid robot that can safely, efficiently, and intelligently perform a wide range of physical tasks that are currently repetitive, physically draining, or simply undesirable for human workers. According to Bloomberg, the company's latest model, Figure 02, features integrated cabling, a torso battery, and real-time computing power using Nvidia RTX GPU-based modules. It's outfitted with 6 RGB cameras, directional microphones, speakers, and a custom-built conversational AI developed in collaboration with OpenAI. Figure 02 also boasts 16 degrees of freedom in its redesigned hands, which allow it to lift and maneuver up to 55 pounds. These capabilities are being actively tested in real-world settings, including on the factory floor at BMW. Trending: Donald Trump just announced a $500 billion AI infrastructure deal — . While both UPS and rival FedEx (NYSE:FDX) have incorporated autonomous systems like sorting and ground robots into their operations, neither has implemented humanoid robots until now. Bloomberg reported last year that UPS and Figure AI began discussions in 2023 and resumed them in early 2025 as Figure's latest model reached new performance milestones. If an agreement is finalized, UPS will become one of the first global logistics companies to pilot humanoid labor at an industrial scale. This move comes as UPS is undergoing a significant restructuring in response to declining package volumes, particularly from major clients like Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), and economic pressures stemming from international tariffs. According to Reuters, UPS plans to cut 20,000 jobs and close 73 facilities by June, aiming to save $3.5 billion through workforce reductions, automation, and asset sales. These measures are part of UPS's strategy to adapt to shifting market dynamics and enhance operational believes humanoid robots are the next frontier in workforce transformation. He said in a statement that Figure's vision is 'to bring humanoid robots into commercial operations as soon as possible. AI and robotics are the future, and I am grateful to have the support of investors and partners who believe in being at the forefront." Figure's mission has always been about filling the gap where human labor is in short supply or at risk. The startup says it is building toward a future where robots can work side-by-side with humans, or even independently, across warehouses, manufacturing floors, and homes. Figure AI is not alone in the humanoid race since competitors like Optimus, created by Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), and Agility Robotics' Digit are also vying to dominate this emerging sector. However, with backing from the world's top AI labs, chipmakers, and billionaires, Figure AI is showing that humanoid labor is no longer a sci-fi dream but a near-future solution to real-world industrial problems. Read Next:Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Image: Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article UPS Explores Humanoid Robots As Figure AI Secures $675M From Jeff Bezos, OpenAI, And Intel, Targeting $9B Revenue By 2029 originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Daily Mirror
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Warning China could be building AI army of 'Terminator' soldiers that can't be killed
The US National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology has warned China is in a position to create practically un-killable cyborgs through the use of advanced biotechnology China could build an army of soldiers as hard to kill as Arnold Schwarzenegger 's Terminator, an official US study has warned. The US National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) predicts China could produce legions of "genetically enhanced PLA super-soldiers' which would fuse human and artificial intelligence, making them next to impossible to destroy. The 'human machine team' could be ready as early as the 2040s. The idea was the brainchild of a rogue Chinese scientist who created genetically modified babies and was jailed - but is now back at work, as the report warns the time to act is now. A new report by the The Charting the Future of Biotechnology document says: 'At the outset of the First World War, the United States did not yet fully appreciate how airplanes would rapidly change the nature of war. 'But once we understood the significance of aviation for force projection, reconnaissance, logistical support, and beyond, we dominated the skies. Similarly, the full impact of the biotechnology revolution will not be clear until it arrives. 'One thing is certain: it is coming. There will be a ChatGPT moment for biotechnology, and if China gets there first, no matter how fast we run, we will never catch up. "Our window to act is closing. We need a two-track strategy: make America innovate faster, and slow China down. The Commission has every reason to believe the CCP will weaponise biotechnology.' Concerningly, it added: 'Drone warfare will seem quaint." Established by Congress in 2022, NSCEB is tasked with examining the intersection of biotechnology and national security, assessing the implications of biotechnology advances, and recommending strategies to ensure US leadership and security in this critical field. Earlier this year it was reported a fleet of 100,000 humanoid robots are set to be shipped out over the next four years by a boundary-breaking artificial intelligence company - meaning people's co-workers could be made of metal. A year ago, Figure AI signed with car manufacturer BMW and now has a 'fleet of robots performing end-to-end operations'. Figure's CEO Brett Adcock announced on LinkedIn last month that the company had now signed another client, which was "one of the biggest US companies" and would give Figure the potential to ship the humanoids at high volumes. Figure, founded by Adcock in 2022, aims to deploy autonomous humanoid workers to support humans on a global scale. Its humanoid robot, called Figure 02, is AI-powered and self-reliant, and is described as being 'ready to produce an abundance of affordable, more widely available goods and services to a degree which humanity has never seen'.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tesla Rival Figure AI Ends Collaboration With OpenAI After 'Major Breakthrough,' Says It Will Show 'Something No One Has Ever Seen On A Humanoid' In Next 30 Days
Robotics company Figure AI is leaving its collaboration agreement with OpenAI following a 'major breakthrough' on its in-house robot AI, the company's CEO Brett Adcock said in a social media post on Tuesday. What Happened: 'We're excited to show you in the next 30 days something no one has ever seen on a humanoid,' the founder said, without providing more details. Figure AI did not immediately respond to Benzinga's request for a comment. Don't Miss: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share! Nancy Pelosi Invested $5 Million In An AI Company Last Year — Here's How You Can Invest In Multiple Pre-IPO AI Startups With Just $1,000 OpenAI and Figure announced a partnership in February last year to develop AI models for humanoid robots. The ChatGPT parent company is also an investor in the robotics company. Figure AI was launched in 2022 with the aim of developing humanoids to address labor shortages and reduce the number of workers in unsafe jobs. In August, the company unveiled Figure 02, weighing 70 kg and 5'6 tall. The company then said the robot will have a five-hour runtime and be capable of speech-to-speech conversation with humans, thanks to custom AI models trained in partnership with OpenAI. Trending: According to Juniper Research, the total value of B2B cross-border payments stored on the blockchain is projected to exceed $4.4 trillion — Why It Matters: The Figure founder's announcement is in line with Tesla's approach. The EV giant is also developing a humanoid robot nicknamed Optimus which is being trained with the company's in-house AI. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said late last month that the company intends to make several thousand units of its Optimus humanoid robot this year for deployment in its factory which will inform the next version of the robot slated for launch next year and likely to be sold to rival companies. Read Next: 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum. Built on the trusted network of Fortune 500 companies, this blockchain company partners with Salesforce to uproot lengthy and expensive B2B transactions, and you can invest with just $100. Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Tesla Rival Figure AI Ends Collaboration With OpenAI After 'Major Breakthrough,' Says It Will Show 'Something No One Has Ever Seen On A Humanoid' In Next 30 Days originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
