Physical Intelligence, a promising startup focused on developing foundational software for robots, announced on Monday that it has raised $400 million in early-stage funding. The investment round saw participation from high-profile investors, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, OpenAI, and leading venture capital firms Thrive Capital and Lux Capital. Following this funding, the company’s valuation has soared to $2 billion, according to PitchBook.
The startup’s ambitious goal is to create adaptable software that can be used across a wide range of robots, eliminating the need for specialized software tailored to individual tasks. This approach has the potential to set a new industry standard in robotics, offering a more flexible and efficient automation solution. The investment comes amid a broader trend in the technology sector, where major players like Microsoft, Google, Meta, Amazon, and Nvidia are aggressively investing in artificial intelligence advancements.
Physical Intelligence’s efforts are part of a rapidly growing AI-driven robotics sector, with companies like Universal Robots, Seegrid, Covariant, and Vicarious (acquired by Alphabet’s Intrinsic in 2022) making notable progress in the field. Elon Musk, a vocal advocate for robotics, has predicted the production of at least 10 billion humanoid robots by 2040, each priced between $20,000 and $25,000. Tesla’s recent unveiling of its Optimus humanoid robot during the Robotaxi event further emphasizes the momentum in the industry.
Last week, Physical Intelligence released a paper showcasing the capabilities of its flagship software, π0 (pi-zero), which demonstrated its ability to perform complex tasks like folding laundry, bagging groceries, and retrieving toast from a toaster. The software’s versatility marks a significant step forward in the development of everyday automation, with the potential to revolutionize how robots assist in routine tasks.
