Rise of Humanoids in 2024
Zendaya is seen in the Machine Man suit from Mugler's autumn/winter '95 collection. Image: Getty
In the heart of Silicon Valley, a startup named Figure AI is quietly revolutionizing the future of work. Their brainchild? A humanoid robot called “Figure 01” - a marvel of engineering that walks, talks, and thinks like a human. AI investors are all abuzz about this hot new thing: Figure AI. They just scored a whopping $675 million in fresh venture capital (VC) funds and their valuation? A jaw-dropping $2.6 billion!
But hold your horses, it gets even cooler. Picture this: Jeff Bezos, the Amazon guru, Microsoft, Nvidia, Cathie Wood’s Ark Invest, Intel Capital, and OpenAI are all coming under one umbrella. It’s like the "Avengers Assemble" of tech investing for a robot revolution.
So, what’s Figure AI cooking? Humanoid robots! Those sci-fi dream machines that walk, talk, and maybe even do the cha-cha. But here’s the twist: these bots aren’t just for show. They’re here to shake up the labor market and cosy up in our homes. Think warehouse workers, elderly companions, and maybe even a robot tutor for your kiddos.
Why the buzz? Well, besides the obvious cool factor, these bots could be the secret sauce for efficiency, safety, and—dare I say it—world domination! I mean we've already seen these in the “Terminator” series, “Star Trek” and “Blade Runner” (Just Kidding!)
Why the Buzz?
Firstly, it’s the rise of the labor revolution. Picture warehouses humming with humanoid workers, deftly navigating shelves, packing orders, and even engaging in customer service. Amazon and Alibaba have already dipped their hands into this world, integrating robotics into their logistics operations. Efficiency gains are undeniable, and the potential impact on industries like e-commerce is immense.
Next is about the fatigue-free and unpaid (at least not directly to them) household helpers. Beyond warehouses, these companies are planning to use the potential of humanoid robots in our homes. A robot that cleans, assists the elderly, or even tutors kids, something we’ve seen in "I, Robot". There are countless options, and demands are rising.
Tesla's trump card: Tesla is probably well-known for two reasons. First off, Elon Musk, Tesla’s enigmatic CEO who makes headlines almost every day. Second, the company has some amazing electric vehicles (EVs). But wait, there’s more. Guess who’s fist-pumping now – Elon Musk and Tesla. They have been quietly developing their own humanoid robot, dubbed as Optimus (You’re right the Transformers Optimus Prime). Musk sees this as a game-changer. Imagine a future where your car not only drives itself but also buys groceries or walks your pet.
The Road Ahead
While humanoid robots are still in their infancy, the interest from tech giants is telling. OpenAI, backed by Jeff Bezos and others, has already invested in a Norwegian startup working on human-like androids. The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics promises a lucrative future—one that extends beyond current applications.
Who will win the Robot race?
Brett Adcock from Figure AI drops a tweet bomb, and guess who swoops in? None other than Elon Musk, with his snappy comebacks. On one hand, Figure AI has got the VC jackpot, a whopping $675 million! Investors like Microsoft, Nvidia, Jeff Bezos, and a few other tech VIPs.
On the other end is Tesla cooking up Optimus. Tesla already has $29 billion on their balance sheets and is consistently running the cash mill with their car company.
Figure AI says the market for humanoid robots is a whopping $42 trillion. And when you add household chores to the mix, it’s like printing money. So, there is going to be more than one winner in the market or let’s say different varieties of bots. But personally, Tesla is still miles ahead in the race. They’re not just building cars; they’re building a robot empire on the side.
And while Figure AI’s deal is intriguing, Optimus is still the golden ticket.
But let’s not forget the cautionary tales. Science fiction has warned us of the perils of creating beings in our image. As we inch closer to that reality, ethical questions arise: How do we ensure these robots serve humanity without replacing them? What rights should they have? And what happens when they surpass us in intelligence?
As the sun sets over Silicon Valley, casting long shadows on the tech campuses, one thing is clear: The rise of humanoid robots is no longer “science-fiction” but a “science-fact”. So, next time you see a robot strolling down the street, give them a nod. They might just be the future co-workers we never knew we needed.
