Summary:
Nvidia and Samsung invest $35M in Skild AI, valuing the startup at $4.5B
Skild AI is developing a shared foundation model to serve as a general-purpose brain for robots
The startup aims to address the U.S. labor shortage in high-risk industries like manufacturing
Nvidia's investment supports its broader strategy to integrate intelligent robotics into everyday environments
Skild AI's $300M Series A in 2024 included backing from Jeff Bezos and SoftBank
Nvidia and Samsung Back Skild AI with $35M in Series B Funding
In a significant move that underscores the growing interest in general-purpose robotics intelligence, Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Samsung have collectively invested $35 million into Skild AI. This investment is part of a Series B funding round that values the startup at an impressive $4.5 billion. The round is spearheaded by a $100 million investment from SoftBank Group, with Samsung contributing $10 million and Nvidia adding $25 million.
The Vision Behind Skild AI
Skild AI is on a mission to develop a shared "foundation model" designed to serve as a general-purpose brain for a diverse range of robots. This model aims to enhance capabilities in manipulation, locomotion, and navigation tasks, marking a pivotal shift in how robotic systems scale. The startup's long-term goal is to build artificial general intelligence (AGI) that is deeply rooted in the physical world.
Addressing the U.S. Labor Shortage
Skild AI's technology is positioned as a scalable solution to the U.S. labor shortage, particularly in high-risk industries such as oil rigs and manufacturing. According to a study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, over 2.1 million U.S. manufacturing jobs could remain unfilled by 2030. Skild AI believes its adaptable foundation model can help rebalance labor across these critical sectors.
Nvidia's Broader Robotics Strategy
Nvidia's investment aligns with its ecosystem strategy to integrate intelligent robotics into everyday environmentsâfrom homes to factories to autonomous vehicles. The company already supports other robotics startups like Figure AI and Serve Robotics, providing the necessary semiconductors and software infrastructure for large-scale robotics deployment.
Previous Funding and Backing
This latest funding round follows Skild AI's $300 million Series A in July 2024, which saw backing from Lightspeed Venture Partners, Coatue, SoftBank, and Jeff Bezos through Bezos Expeditions. The startup's rapid ascent and the confidence of high-profile investors highlight the potential of its technology to revolutionize the robotics industry.
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