Summary:
Samsung and Nvidia invest in Skild AI, valuing it at $4.5 billion
SoftBank leads the funding with a $100 million investment
Investment seen as a strategic move to stay ahead in the robotics industry
Nvidia focuses on "physical AI" for future growth
Samsung and Google to launch Ballie, a video-projecting robot
Samsung Electronics Co. and Nvidia Corp. are making strategic moves into the consumer robotics industry by acquiring minority stakes in Skild AI Inc., a startup specializing in robot software development.
- Samsung is investing $10 million, while Nvidia is putting in $25 million as part of Skild AI's Series B funding round, which values the company at an impressive $4.5 billion.
- The funding round is led by a $100 million investment from Japan’s SoftBank Group Corp., highlighting the growing interest in robotics among global tech leaders.
Why This Matters
- Samsung sees this investment as a way to stay connected with Skild AI's innovations and talent without a major commitment. It's also a strategic move to keep up with South Korean rivals like LG, Hanwha, and Mirae Asset, who are also investing in Skild.
- Nvidia is pushing the concept of "physical AI", focusing on robots and autonomous vehicles as future revenue streams. The company is developing semiconductors, software, and services to advance self-thinking robots.
The Bigger Picture
The robotics sector is becoming a key growth area for tech giants, with Apple, Meta, Amazon, and Google heavily investing. Tesla is also in the race, preparing to launch its Optimus robot.
- Samsung and Google are set to launch Ballie, a soccer-ball-sized robot that projects video onto walls, marking Samsung's deeper foray into humanoid robots and smart home appliances.
- Samsung's investment in Rainbow Robotics, a humanoid maker, underscores its commitment to leading in the robotics field.
Comments