OpenAI is now exploring the possibility of entering the field of humanoid robotics, marking what might be its most ambitious direction yet. According to a recent report by The Information, the AI giant has been in talks about potentially launching a lineup of humanoid robots. Details are scant thus far, including things like when we might see these robots and what they could be used for, but any such prospect would seem like it could be a game-changer.
Humanoid robots have great potential in industries such as warehousing and home assistance as well as industrial automation. Though at the beginning of 2021 OpenAI closed down its robotics division, it speaks of interest returning to this sector by folding in its robotics research group, indicating some future movement that will put it head-to-head with established players such as Nvidia and Tesla, both very much involved with humanoid robotics.
OpenAI’s strategic investments already hint at its aspirations. Earlier this year, the company participated in a $625 million funding round for Figure AI, whose Figure 02 humanoid robot integrates OpenAI’s advanced AI models. These robots excel in processing voice commands, streamlining tasks in environments like warehouses. OpenAI has also backed 1X, a Norwegian robotics firm behind EVE, a humanoid robot capable of reaching speeds up to 9.8 miles per hour.
The market for humanoid robots is expected to grow rapidly, possibly reaching $66 billion by 2032. OpenAI’s collaborations with Figure AI and 1X offer a strong basis for its prospective robotics endeavors, utilizing cutting-edge AI models and embodied learning methodologies to develop flexible, practical robots.
Notwithstanding these actions, creating state-of-the-art AI models continues to be OpenAI’s core priority. This priority is demonstrated by the newly released O3 and O3-mini, which are intended for complicated reasoning. Developers can get a preview of OpenAI’s continuous innovation with these models, which are presently undergoing limited testing.
While the company has yet to officially announce its humanoid robotics ambitions, its investments and history of breakthroughs suggest that OpenAI could significantly influence the field. Whether these plans materialize remains to be seen, but OpenAI’s foray into robotics could redefine the future of AI-driven automation.
