AI and Humanoid Robotics Daily Wrap: September 16, 2025
OpenAI Reportedly Ventures into Humanoid Robotics, Eyeing Competition with Tesla
OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT, is reportedly making an aggressive push into humanoid robotics, actively recruiting top talent to develop advanced algorithms for controlling these human-like machines. This strategic move signals OpenAI’s ambition to rival companies like Tesla, which is developing its Optimus robots.
According to a report by Wired cited by industry insiders, OpenAI is seeking researchers with deep expertise in creating sophisticated algorithms for both humanoid and conventional robotic systems. Recent job postings indicate the company’s intent to build a world-class team focused on robots capable of learning through advanced teleoperation techniques and virtual simulation environments.
The company is particularly targeting humanoid robotics, systems designed with partial or complete human-like characteristics. OpenAI is also said to be developing AI algorithms with enhanced spatial reasoning capabilities, aiming to enable robots to better understand their surroundings and perform complex tasks with greater precision.
- OpenAI is aggressively recruiting top AI talent for its new humanoid robotics program.
- The initiative aims to develop sophisticated control algorithms, positioning OpenAI as a competitor to Tesla’s Optimus.
- Focus areas include learning through teleoperation and virtual simulation, as well as enhanced spatial reasoning for complex task execution.
Figure AI Secures Over $1 Billion in Series C Funding, Valuation Soars to $39 Billion
Humanoid robotics firm Figure AI announced today that it has successfully closed over $1 billion in Series C funding, catapulting its post-money valuation to an impressive $39 billion. This significant investment is earmarked to scale out the company’s AI capabilities and manufacturing processes for its advanced humanoid robots.
Figure AI’s humanoid, Figure 02, is already making strides in real-world applications. The robot is currently deployed at BMW’s manufacturing plant in the U.S., performing assembly and material transport tasks. The Figure 02 stands 1.7 meters tall, weighs 70 kilograms, and features 16 degrees of freedom in each hand, allowing for human-like dexterity in manipulating tools.
The robot operates on a vision-language model developed in partnership with OpenAI, enabling it to understand tasks from voice or visual cues. With a 2.25 kWh battery providing over 20 hours of operation and triple the onboard compute power compared to earlier prototypes, Figure AI is poised for high-volume production, with plans to scale up to 12,000 units per year.
- Figure AI achieved a post-money valuation of $39 billion after securing over $1 billion in Series C funding.
- The funding will accelerate AI development and manufacturing scaling for its humanoid robots.
- The Figure 02 humanoid is deployed at BMW’s U.S. manufacturing plant for assembly and material transport.
- Key features include human-like dexterity, an OpenAI-trained vision-language model, and extended battery life.
IDTechEx Forecasts Robust Growth for Humanoid Robot Market by 2035
A new report from IDTechEx, “Humanoid Robots 2025-2035: Technologies, Markets and Opportunities,” projects significant growth for the humanoid robot market, estimating it to reach approximately US$30 billion by 2035. The report highlights that despite current limited real-world applications, substantial investments and technological advancements are expected to drive rapid expansion over the next decade.
The analysis distinguishes between industrial and non-industrial applications. Industrial humanoid robots, such as Tesla’s Optimus, Agility Robotics’ Digit, and UBTech’s Walker S, are typically heavier with larger battery packs. Non-industrial humanoids, like Unitree’s G1, are lighter and designed for research or light-duty tasks.
As of 2025, humanoids in the automotive sector are in early pilot testing phases, performing basic tasks like badge labeling and material handling. IDTechEx analysts anticipate that by 2026-2027, these robots will begin operating for specific use cases, gradually expanding to more complex tasks between 2028 and 2033. The logistics and warehousing industries also show promise for adoption, though progress has been slower.
- The humanoid robot market is projected to reach US$30 billion by 2035.
- Growth is driven by significant investments and technological advancements.
- Industrial humanoids are currently in early pilot phases in the automotive sector, with broader adoption expected by 2026-2027.
- Logistics and warehousing are also key target industries for humanoid robot deployment.
The Rise of Humanoid Agents: AI in 2025 and Beyond
As 2025 unfolds, the technology landscape is rapidly evolving, with a particular spotlight on humanoid agents, according to recent discussions by industry experts. While the year began with excitement surrounding large language models (LLMs), it is set to conclude with groundbreaking advancements in autonomous humanoid robots.
AI-driven humanoid robots, generative technology, and automation are poised to reshape various sectors, including business, healthcare, and cybersecurity, while also introducing new ethical considerations. The past year saw an acceleration in AI advancements, setting the stage for even greater disruption.
The long-anticipated release of fully autonomous humanoids, previously confined to industrial settings, is now approaching. Experts anticipate the widespread adoption of AI in robotics, enhanced human-robot interactions, and the emergence of robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) models in 2025.
- 2025 is marked by significant advancements in autonomous humanoid robots.
- Humanoid agents, generative AI, and automation are transforming business, healthcare, and cybersecurity.
- The widespread adoption of AI in robotics and enhanced human-robot interactions are expected this year.
China Showcases Extensive Humanoid Robot Innovations at WAIC 2025
Shanghai recently hosted the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2025), which featured an unprecedented gathering of humanoid robots. The event showcased more than 150 “fake humans” across 60 distinct models from over 80 companies, underscoring China’s intensified technological arms race in AI and robotics.
China is treating humanoids as a core pillar of its national AI strategy, aiming to dominate the global market by 2027. The WAIC display highlighted various innovations, including KEENON Robotics’ X-MAN F1, a bipedal service humanoid, which served drinks and popcorn to attendees and demonstrated closed-loop integration with other autonomous robots.
Other notable exhibits included DroidUp’s industrial and hyper-realistic humanoids, Fourier’s GR-3, AgiBot, and Unitree’s boxing G1s. Shenzhen-based Cyborg Robotics introduced its heavy-duty industrial humanoid, the Cyborg R01, designed for high-risk environments with 62 degrees of freedom and a 20 kg lifting capacity. Kuavo, powered by Huawei’s Pangu large language model, also demonstrated its full-sized bipedal robot for logistics and manufacturing, having already secured 250 orders earlier in 2025.
- WAIC 2025 in Shanghai featured over 150 humanoid robots from more than 80 companies.
- China aims to lead the global humanoid robot market by 2027 as part of its national AI strategy.
- Key demonstrations included KEENON Robotics’ X-MAN F1 service humanoid and Cyborg Robotics’ heavy-duty industrial R01.
- Kuavo, powered by Huawei’s Pangu LLM, showcased its logistics and manufacturing capabilities.