According to Bloomberg, on February 24, local time, people familiar with the matter said that Amazon founder Bezos, NVIDIA and other large technology companies are competing to invest in humanoid robotics startup Figure AI, actively exploring "humanoid robots" as a new opportunity for AI technology.

　　According to the report, Figure AI is also backed by OpenAI and Microsoft. The company will raise about $675 million in a funding round, valuing it at about $2 billion before the deal. Bezos has committed $100 million through his company Explore Investments LLC. Microsoft will invest $95 million, and NVIDIA and an Amazon affiliated fund will each provide $50 million.

　　Currently, the company's engineers are working on a robot called "Figure 01" that looks and moves like a human. The company said it hopes "Figure 01" will be able to perform dangerous jobs that are not suitable for humans and apply its technology to alleviate future labor shortages.

　　Figure AI, which was founded in 2022, closed a $70 million funding round led by Parkway Venture Capital in May last year, followed by a $9 million investment from Intel two months later.

　　Humanoid robots can mimic human appearance and behavior, and the technical level integrates a number of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, high-end manufacturing, and new materials. Robots are a combination of AI, sensors and actuators, and NVIDIA has set up a research department, GEAR, dedicated to realizing intelligent applications across multiple modalities and scenarios, which will accelerate the research and development of intelligent bodies capable of adapting to a variety of environments, possessing a wide range of skills, and functioning efficiently in both the virtual and real worlds, and promote the continuous progress and development of the entire artificial intelligence and robotics industry. industry's continued progress and development. Some analysts say that 2024 will be the year of rapid breakthroughs in robot software technology, and will also be the first year of mass production of humanoid robots, and the first year of mass production of robots is expected to bring huge industrial opportunities from 0 to 1.

　　According to media reports, on February 24, Tesla released a new video on the social platform X, showing the smooth walking ability of Tesla's second-generation humanoid robot Optimus. Compared to the video released a few weeks ago, the Optimus on display appears to be an updated or more refined version, with a steadier pace and smoother movements that are closer to human beings during its walk.

　　Tesla CEO Musk's emphasis on robotics has increased significantly this year, and the earnings meeting also mentioned that "we will release progress on robotics from time to time". Previously, Musk said in the earnings call, the company plans to ship the first batch of humanoid robot Optimus in 2025, the progress of mass production is gradually clear, 2024 is expected to usher in the parts stereotypes and suppliers to set the point, the humanoid robot industry chain ushered in opportunities.