Key Points
- SoftBank Group and Nvidia are discussing a joint investment exceeding $1 billion in Skild AI.
- The deal would value Skild AI at $14 billion, up from its prior $4.7 billion valuation.
- Skild AI focuses on a robot‑agnostic foundation model rather than proprietary hardware.
- The company unveiled its general‑purpose robot model, Skild Brain, in July.
- Strategic partners include LG CNS and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
- Recent large funding rounds in the sector include Physical Intelligence’s $600 million raise and Figure’s $1 billion raise at a $39 billion valuation.
- The investment reflects growing investor confidence in AI‑driven robotics.
Background and Valuation
SoftBank Group and Nvidia are in advanced discussions to lead an investment of more than $1 billion in Skild AI, a software company developing a foundational model for robotics. The proposed deal would value Skild AI at $14 billion, a significant increase from its previous $4.7 billion valuation when it raised $500 million in a round led by SoftBank alongside LG Technology Ventures, Samsung, Nvidia, and others.
Technology Focus
Unlike many heavily funded robotics startups, Skild AI does not build its own hardware. Instead, it is creating a robot‑agnostic foundation model that can be customized for a wide range of robots and use cases. The company demonstrated its general‑purpose robot model, Skild Brain, in July, showing robots performing tasks such as picking up dishes and navigating stairs.
Strategic Partnerships
Skild AI has formed strategic partnerships with LG CNS and Hewlett Packard Enterprise to develop its ecosystem. These collaborations aim to extend the reach of its foundation model across various industries and hardware platforms.
Industry Context
The proposed investment underscores a broader surge in capital flowing into AI‑driven robotics. Physical Intelligence, another firm building “brains” for diverse robots, recently raised $600 million at a $5.6 billion valuation. Humanoid robot developer Figure secured more than $1 billion at a $39 billion valuation, while 1X, also focused on humanoid robots, has been reported to be in talks for up to $1 billion at a $10 billion valuation.
Outlook
If the SoftBank‑Nvidia deal materializes, Skild AI would join a cohort of robotics startups receiving unprecedented levels of funding, positioning it to accelerate development of its robot‑agnostic model and expand its market presence through existing partnerships.
Source: techcrunch.com