Figure CEO speaks out on OpenAI split: 'We're going to be competitors'

Figure, a humanoid robotics firm, has transitioned from a partnership with OpenAI to becoming rivals in the tech arena. Initially, OpenAI co-led Figure’s Series B funding round in 2024 and collaborated on advancing AI models for robotics. However, in a surprising turn of events, Figure's CEO, Brett Adcock, announced on 'The Shawn Ryan Show' that the company would pursue its AI development independently. Adcock expressed that while he admired OpenAI’s capabilities in creating chatbots, he found their contributions to robotics limited, primarily adding brand value rather than practical support. He emphasized that the nuances of AI for robotics demand specialized techniques that differ from conventional approaches. His internal team, consisting of veterans from renowned AI firms like Google DeepMind, was described by Adcock as "complete superstars." The CEO recounted challenges in collaborative efforts with OpenAI, stating, "In robotics, you've got to run the robot, see how it does. We just had a hard time getting them in the office." As Figure progressed in its robotic learning, the OpenAI team monitored their advancements, leading to a pivotal moment when OpenAI expressed intentions to develop humanoid robotics internally. This led Adcock to conclude that the partnership was no longer viable, asserting, "This is over." OpenAI has since established its robotics lab, focused on teaching robotic arms to handle household tasks. Additionally, they have supported the Norwegian-American robotics firm 1X. Despite attempts to clarify their position, OpenAI has not responded to inquiries regarding the split. Adcock also highlighted recruitment challenges stemming from the previous collaboration, noting that potential hires often perceived Figure as merely a robotics shell under OpenAI's influence, complicating the hiring process. He remarked, "There was some good brand association there, but beyond that, there wasn't much."