Figure AI, a company that makes human-like robots, has decided to stop working with OpenAI. Instead, it will develop its own AI system. The company says it has made a big breakthrough and will show something new in the next 30 days.
Figure AI had a deal with OpenAI to develop AI for robots. OpenAI also invested in Figure AI, and last year, Figure raised $675 million, valuing the company at $2.6 billion.
Surprisingly, the partnership will be terminated since OpenAI is hugely in demand, and many companies would like to work with such an advanced AI model. However, the Figure AI CEO, Brett Adcock claims that the models in OpenAI are not great for robots, though OpenAI only relies on the text-based AI whose application has come in the form of ChatGPT; this is not what Figure needs.

According to Adcock, the AI and hardware must be built together if the robots are to work effectively. He makes a comparison that the technology resembles the making of a phone along with its software just like the Apple company. It makes the technology work efficiently but is pricey and hard.
OpenAI is also investing in another robotics company called 1X, which is working on robots for homes. Recently, OpenAI even filed a trademark for humanoid robots, meaning it might develop its own robots in the future.
Currently, Figure AI is focused on using its robots in factories as opposed to homes. Already, one of its robots is being used by BMW in a factory. The company has much funding and a bigger office, and it is working hard to build both its models of robots and AI.
Many robotics companies are developing their own AI, but others still prefer partnerships. For instance, Boston Dynamics is working with Toyota to improve its robots.
TechCrunch has reached out to OpenAI for comment on this news.