Core Insights - Skild AI is in talks for a new funding round exceeding $1 billion, which could nearly double its valuation to $14 billion from $4.7 billion during its last funding round in June 2023 [1][2] - The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, is actively promoting the robotics industry, with plans for an executive order on robotics next year [2][7] Group 1: Investment and Valuation - SoftBank and NVIDIA are negotiating to invest in Skild AI, which has shown impressive technology in pilot projects [2][3] - Skild AI raised $500 million in its B round of funding, led by SoftBank, with participation from NVIDIA and others, achieving a valuation of $4.7 billion [2][3] - The robotics investment landscape is rapidly growing, with projections indicating that funding in the sector could reach $2.3 billion by 2025, doubling from the previous year [3] Group 2: Company Overview - Skild AI, founded in 2023 by former Meta AI researchers, focuses on developing AI models for various types of robots rather than manufacturing hardware [4][5] - The company released its first general AI model in July 2023, capable of adapting to a wide range of tasks from logistics to household chores [5] - Skild AI collaborates with NVIDIA to develop a foundational model called Skild Brain, which can be trained with minimal additional input to acquire new skills [5] Group 3: Government Initiatives and Industry Trends - The U.S. Department of Commerce is committed to advancing robotics and advanced manufacturing, emphasizing their importance in bringing critical production back to the U.S. [7] - There is a growing interest in robotics within the U.S. Congress, with proposals for establishing a national robotics committee [7] - The global humanoid robot market is projected to reach $38 billion by 2035, highlighting the increasing demand for robotic solutions [3]

Core Insights - The article discusses a significant investment opportunity in the robotics sector, particularly focusing on Skild AI, which is in talks for a funding round exceeding $1 billion, potentially raising its valuation to $14 billion, nearly double its previous valuation of $4.7 billion during its last funding round [1][3][6]. Investment and Valuation - Skild AI, founded in 2023, aims to develop a universal software "brain" for robots, overcoming deployment barriers in various environments [7]. - The company raised $500 million in its B round of funding in June 2023, with SoftBank leading the investment [3][6]. - If the new funding round is successful, Skild AI's valuation will increase significantly, reflecting investor interest in humanoid robotics as AI advancements enable more complex tasks [3][6]. Government Support and Industry Trends - The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, is reportedly pushing for the development of the robotics industry, with plans for an executive order on robotics next year [4][10]. - The U.S. Commerce Department has confirmed its commitment to the robotics sector, emphasizing its importance for bringing critical manufacturing back to the U.S. [10]. - There is a growing interest in establishing a national robotics strategy to support the emerging industry and maintain competitiveness against countries like China, which has significantly more industrial robots [10][11]. Market Potential and Future Outlook - Investment demand in the robotics sector is surging, with projections indicating that funding could reach $2.3 billion by 2025, doubling from the previous year [6]. - Goldman Sachs estimates that the global humanoid robotics market could reach $38 billion by 2035 [6]. - Experts caution that achieving truly universal robotic applications remains technically challenging and may take years for widespread implementation [9].

投资者对人工智能机器人领域的兴趣正持续升温。另一家专注于为各类机器人开发"大脑"的公司 Physical Intelligence 据报道近期完成了 6 亿美元融资，估值 达 56 亿美元，本轮融资由 CapitalG 领投。一位曾评估过 Physical Intelligence 但最终决定不投资的投资者向 TechCrunch 表示，该公司的模型仍处于早期开发 阶段。 据 PitchBook 数据显示，这家成立近三年的初创企业上一次估值为 47 亿美元，当时是在今年 5 月完成了一轮 5 亿美元的融资，由软银领投，LG 技术风投 （LG Technology Ventures）、三星、英伟达等机构参与投资。 与其他获得大量融资的初创企业不同，Skild AI 并不开发自有硬件，而是专注于打造一种适配不同机器人（robot-agnostic）的基础模型，该模型可根据不同 类型的机器人及其应用场景进行定制。 该公司于今年 7 月发布了其通用机器人模型"Skild Brain"，并展示了相关视频，内容包括机器人拾取餐具、上下楼梯等操作。此外，Skild 已与 LG CNS 及慧 与科技（Hewlett Pack ...

In Brief SoftBank Group and Nvidia are in talks to lead an investment of over $1 billion at a $14 billion valuation in Skild AI, a software company building a foundational robotics model, Reuters reported.The nearly three-year-old startup was last valued at $4.7 billion in May when it raised $500 million in a round led by SoftBank along with the participation of LG Technology Ventures, Samsung, Nvidia, and others, according to PitchBook data. Skild didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. SoftBa ...

SoftBank Group and Nvidia are reportedly in talks to participate in a more than $1 billion funding round for Skild AI, a maker of foundation models for robots.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.The rou ...

谁将成为中国的PI？ 作者丨巴里 编辑丨关雎 图源丨SiliconANGLE 具身智能领域再冲出估值近400亿元超级独角兽。 Physical Intelligence（ PI ）这家成立仅不足两年的初创公司，在最新一轮融资中再获6亿美元（约 合42亿元人民币）投资，估值从上一轮的20亿美元直接跃升至56亿美元（约合396亿元人民币）， 成为具身智能"通用机器人大脑"赛道估值最高的玩家。 本轮融资由Alphabet旗下独立成长基金CapitalG领投，现有投资者Lux Capital、Thrive Capital及 亚马逊创始人杰夫·贝索斯持续加码，新晋投资方Index Ventures与T. Rowe Price也参与了此轮融 资。 相比 Figure AI 或特斯拉这类以硬件为主导的路线，PI 更强调"软件先行"的策略，将大模型的思路 延伸至物理世界，训练出一套不依赖特定硬件的通用大脑，让"一个模型控制不同机器人本体"成为可 能。 因此，定位于跨平台"通用机器人大脑"的PI，使其估值体系更接近"AI大模型公司"。 在融资消息公布前夕，PI于11月18日正式发布了新一代机器人基础模型π*0.6。该模型在π- ...

Core Insights - Skild AI is revolutionizing the robotics industry with its innovative AI system, Skild Brain, which allows robots to adapt and perform tasks even when physically impaired [2][28] - The company's valuation has skyrocketed from $1.5 billion in July 2024 to $4.5 billion by June 2025, reflecting significant investor interest and confidence in its technology [6][28] Company Overview - Skild AI, founded in May 2023, is a spin-off from Carnegie Mellon University, focusing on developing a universal AI system for various robotic applications [5][6] - The founders, Abhinav Gupta and Deepak Pathak, are renowned professors in robotics and computer science, with extensive academic and industry experience [8] Technology and Innovation - Skild Brain aims to solve the fragmentation issue in the robotics industry by enabling a single AI model to control multiple types of robots for various tasks [10][11] - The technology allows robots to learn from past experiences, significantly enhancing their operational efficiency and adaptability [16][17] Competitive Advantages - Skild AI has established three key barriers to entry: - **Technical Barrier**: Skild Brain possesses a memory capability that far exceeds traditional robots, allowing for improved learning and adaptation [16][17] - **Data Barrier**: The company utilizes a unique data acquisition strategy, including simulation training and real-world data collection, creating a robust feedback loop for continuous improvement [18][20] - **Ecosystem Barrier**: Partnerships with major investors and industry players like SoftBank and Amazon provide Skild AI with resources and support that are difficult for competitors to replicate [21][22] Commercialization Efforts - Skild AI is actively pursuing commercialization, having formed partnerships with HPE and LG CNS to address computational challenges and explore model licensing in logistics and industrial applications [23][24] - The company has demonstrated significant cost advantages, deploying its technology on lower-cost robotic systems compared to traditional custom solutions [26] Future Outlook - The rapid increase in valuation and the innovative approach of Skild AI suggest a promising future for the company as it aims to create a universal brain for robots, enhancing their capabilities in various sectors [28][30]

Core Insights - Skild AI has introduced a revolutionary concept called Skild Brain, an independent robotic brain that allows robots to adapt and continue functioning even after sustaining damage or losing limbs [3][12][20] - The technology aims to decouple the robot's brain from its physical body, enabling a universal intelligence that can operate across various robotic forms and tasks [4][20] Technological Innovation - Skild Brain employs a dual-layer control strategy, with high-frequency layers for navigation planning and low-frequency layers for translating strategies into joint movements [6] - The system is designed to allow robots to adapt to extreme damage scenarios, such as losing limbs or having motors jammed, by finding alternative ways to move [6][12][19] - The technology utilizes large-scale simulation training and a generalized model to ensure that robots can adapt to new forms without needing to relearn from scratch [13][19] Applications and Future Potential - In industrial settings, Skild Brain can prevent production line shutdowns due to minor faults, allowing robots to continue working until maintenance can be performed [21][22] - The technology has significant implications for disaster rescue operations, enabling robots to perform search and rescue tasks even when damaged [25] - Military applications could benefit from the ability of robots to maintain functionality in combat scenarios despite sustaining damage [26][27] - The concept of a single brain controlling multiple robotic bodies could lead to a new ecosystem where robots share a common intelligence, raising questions about control and societal impact [30]

Core Insights - The article focuses on the emerging field of embodied intelligence, highlighting the development of general-purpose robotic brain systems and multi-modal perception decision-making systems, which are attracting significant attention from both capital and industry [2][3]. Domestic Companies - **Xinghai Map**: Founded in 2023, focuses on developing a "general embodied large model" using real-world data to create robots with fine operational capabilities. The company has completed 8 rounds of financing [6]. - **WALL-A Model**: Set to launch in October 2024, it will be the largest parameter scale embodied intelligence general operation model globally, integrating visual, language, and motion control signals [6]. - **Wall-OSS**: An open-source embodied intelligence foundational model with strong generalization and reasoning capabilities [6]. - **UBTECH**: Established in 2012, it is a leader in humanoid robot commercialization with comprehensive self-research capabilities [10]. - **Thinker Model**: A multi-modal large model with 10 billion parameters, expected to achieve top rankings in three international benchmark tests by 2025, enhancing robots' perception and task planning in complex environments [10]. - **Zhiyuan Robotics**: Founded in February 2023, it aims to create world-class general embodied intelligent robot products [12]. - **Genie Operator-1**: Set to release in March 2025, it integrates multi-modal large models and hybrid expert technology, improving task success rates by 32% compared to market models [12]. - **Galaxy General**: Founded in May 2023, it focuses on multi-modal large models driven by synthetic data [14]. - **VLA Model**: The world's first general embodied large model, utilizing a "brain + cerebellum" collaborative framework [14]. - **Qianxun Intelligent**: Established in 2024, it specializes in AI and robotics with a strong technical foundation [16]. - **Spirit V1 VLA Model**: The first AI model to tackle long-range operations of flexible objects, supporting multi-task generalization [16]. - **Star Motion Era**: A new tech company incubated by Tsinghua University, focusing on general artificial intelligence applications [18]. - **ERA-42 Model**: The first end-to-end native embodied large model in China, capable of learning over 100 dynamic tasks through video training [18]. International Companies - **Figure AI**: Focuses on developing embodied intelligence large models and related infrastructure for various industries [20]. - **Noematrix Brain**: Combines advanced algorithms and data support for comprehensive capabilities in instruction reasoning and task planning [20]. - **Physical Intelligence**: A startup established in January 2023, aims to create advanced intelligent software for robots [24]. - **π0 Model**: Released on October 31, 2024, it is a foundational model for robots, achieving fine control capabilities through pre-training and fine-tuning [24]. - **Google DeepMind**: Merged with Google Brain in 2023, focusing on general artificial intelligence research [22]. - **Gemini Robotics**: A VLA model that allows robots to perform complex tasks without specialized training, enhancing their adaptability to environmental changes [22]. - **NVIDIA**: A leading GPU design company that has expanded into AI solutions [24]. - **Eureka System**: Based on GPT-4, it can automatically train robots for complex actions and optimize reinforcement learning processes [24].

Core Viewpoint - Skild AI has developed a revolutionary AI brain, Skild Brain, capable of controlling various robots in unpredictable situations, achieving a valuation of $4.5 billion as of June 2023 [4][29]. Group 1: Skild Brain Capabilities - Skild Brain can adapt to different robot bodies and situations, allowing it to control robots even when they face unexpected challenges like motor jams or limb loss [7][12]. - The AI brain was trained in a virtual environment simulating 100,000 different robot postures over a simulated time of 1,000 years, leading to emergent control capabilities [4][12]. - It can learn from failures and improve its performance over time, demonstrating a memory capacity over 100 times longer than typical robot control strategies [17][24]. Group 2: Testing and Adaptation - Skild Brain successfully adapted to various scenarios, such as simulating limb loss and adjusting walking patterns accordingly, while traditional controllers failed [19][20]. - The AI demonstrated the ability to switch control strategies based on the robot's physical state, such as transitioning from a wheeled to a bipedal walking pattern when necessary [21][24]. - Initial instability in new configurations, like walking on stilts, was quickly overcome as the AI adjusted its movements to maintain balance [22][24]. Group 3: Company Background and Funding - Skild AI was founded in 2023, focusing on developing adaptive AI for different hardware and tasks, with a small team of approximately six employees [25]. - The company has raised a total of $414 million across seed, Series A, and Series B funding rounds, with notable investors including SoftBank, Nvidia, and Sequoia Capital [29]. - The valuation of Skild AI increased from $1.5 billion after Series A funding in July 2024 to $4.5 billion following a $100 million funding round in June 2023 [29].