The tech landscape has witnessed a phenomenal shift as leading player OpenAI and Figure AI have severed their ties, marking a dramatic pivot in the humanoid robotics sectorOn February 20, Brett Adcock, the visionary founder and CEO of Figure AI, unveiled a groundbreaking innovation - the Helix modelThis launch, touted as an unprecedented advancement in the realm of humanoid robots, epitomizes Figure AI's leap towards independence following its separation from OpenAI.

This new model, dubbed Helix, is more than just an upgrade; it's the cognitive architecture that forms the 'brain' of Figure AI’s humanoid robotsThe demonstration video released by Figure AI showcases two robots equipped with the Helix model deftly following human commands to collaboratively place various items, including animated cacti and eggs, into a refrigeratorThis vivid portrayal of dexterous robotic cooperation underscores the remarkable capabilities of Helix, particularly its multimodal perception and unique end-to-end feedback mechanismsThe implications of this development are significant; it suggests that even without OpenAI's resources, Figure AI's machinery can maintain robust functionality and advanced cognitive abilities.

The split from OpenAI signals an essential evolution in the AI-driven robotics space, hinting that the era of 'AI hierarchy' might be recedingThe question of whether AI models or robotic enterprises are to be designated as the 'chain leader' remains nuanced and unresolvedThis burgeoning landscape indicates a move towards autonomy amongst robotics firms.

An industry insider remarked on the significance of Figure AI’s new model release, indicating it validates the premise that robotic firms can now cultivate their intellectual entities without reliance on larger AI organizations for their core processorsPrior to this development, OpenAI had cultivated a host of investments in robotic pioneers like Figure AI, 1X, and Physical Intelligence, further entrenching its role as a provider of AI 'brains' for humanoid components, while the tangible robot manufacturing was left to smaller firms

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The framework of this dichotomy was well recognized in the marketplace.

Figure AI's newfound independence traces back to OpenAI’s progressive disentanglement from its robotic projectsIn December 2024, news emerged that OpenAI was restructuring the previously disbanded robotics team with aspirations to delve back into humanoid robot development, contradicting earlier statements from OpenAI's Vice President Peter Welinder, who emphasized a focus on AI 'brains' over physical robot fabrication.

The inherent conflict of interest between collaborative partners naturally led to their respective self-governing trajectoriesHence, in early February 2025, Figure AI officially declared the termination of its partnership with OpenAI, proclaiming its intent to foster its embodied intelligence framework.

Helix's technological underpinning is based on a pioneering "dual system" architectureThis model consists of a high-parameter visual motion strategy in System 1, complemented by a visually trained language model in System 2, sourced via the internetHowever, Figure AI has not disclosed the specific origins of the technologies that fuel each system, leaving technological enthusiasts speculating about their innovations.

On the very day Helix was launched, Figure AI hinted at a forthcoming Series C funding round, seeking to attain a valuation of around $40 billion from investors, including special purpose vehiclesAnalysts suggest this financial move is crucial for covering training costs for the embodied intelligence and establishing their own computing center, evidencing the company’s leap towards self-sufficiency.

The timeline from the reported "split" to the independent development of embodied intelligence was remarkably brief, clocking in at approximately two monthsSuch swift advancement evokes parallels to the democratizing trends heralded by DeepSeek, advocating for equity within AI technologies.

Looking ahead, Adcock noted that 2025 is pivotal as Figure AI prepares to escalate the production and delivery of humanoid robots while tackling household robotics challenges

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The severance from OpenAI raises the prospect that the intersection of production and value chains within humanoid robotics might revert to robotics manufacturers having more autonomy over the chain’s entirety.

A noteworthy observation is that Figure AI, despite its stronger international recognition, has robust links to China’s industrious sector, which has burgeoned as a significant contributor to humanoid robotics dynamicsA recent Morgan Stanley report titled “Humanoid Robots 100: Mapping the Humanoid Robotics Value Chain” revealed that 56 out of the 100 core companies recognized in this domain are Chinese, highlighting the nation's formidable influence.

The same report posits that China’s presence in the global humanoid robotics supply chain reaches an impressive 63%, asserting dominance in this burgeoning industry, especially in constructing the physical bodies of these robotsChinese manufacturers hold a commanding market share, with integrators accounting for approximately 45% of the physical structure aspect.

Several firms within China have disclosed interactions with Figure AI, marking a noteworthy trendFor instance, Lingyi iTech proclaimed in November 2024 that it is supplying structural components and modules for Figure AI’s robots, while Changying Precision has established collaboration with AI Figure and other leading North American humanoid robot entitiesFollowing this, stock prices for these companies saw notable rises, indicating positive market reception.

Additionally, numerous domestic corporations have been reported to be engaging with Figure AI, extending the scope of partnershipsThis includes companies like Mingzhi Electronics, Greening Harmonics, and others, revealing a stirring interest in the potential of humanoid robotics.

Industry analysts indicate that the T-chain (Tesla humanoid robot supply chain) is becoming overcrowded, while the F-chain (Figure supply chain) offers underappreciated opportunities

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