Amazon backed Skild AI unveils ‘Skild Brain’ to power robots with human-like thinking and movement

Skild AI, a robotics startup with backing from Amazon and SoftBank, has introduced a groundbreaking artificial intelligence model named Skild Brain. This innovative system is designed to enable robots to learn, adapt, and execute a diverse array of physical tasks. Announced this Tuesday, Skild Brain represents a significant advancement in the field of general-purpose robotics, which has been gaining traction as businesses seek machines capable of performing complex functions beyond simple repetitive actions. The Skild Brain model empowers robots to think and act similarly to humans. Demonstration videos showcased robots utilizing this model as they climbed stairs, maintained balance after being pushed, and navigated through cluttered environments to pick up objects. These capabilities demand sophisticated spatial awareness and real-time adaptability—qualities that most current factory robots lack. In response to safety concerns, the company has integrated safeguards into the model to prevent robots from applying excessive force. The training process for Skild Brain combines simulated environments with real-world video data, and it is continuously refined through feedback from all robots operating with the system. CEO Deepak Pathak emphasized the unique challenges in robotic data acquisition, stating, "Unlike language or vision, there is no data for robotics on the internet. So you cannot just go and apply these generative AI techniques." Pathak co-founded the company with Abhinav Gupta, who further explained, "Robots deployed by customers feed data back into Skild Brain to sharpen its skills, creating the same 'shared brain.'" Gupta has a notable background, having previously led the robotics lab at Meta in Pittsburgh. The Skild AI team also includes former professionals from Tesla, Nvidia, and Meta. Following a successful Series A funding round that raised $300 million last year, Skild AI achieved a valuation of $1.5 billion. Its investment roster features prominent names such as Lightspeed Venture Partners, Menlo Ventures, Sequoia Capital, Khosla Ventures, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Among its initial clients is LG CNS, the IT solutions branch of LG Group, along with several unnamed partners in the logistics and manufacturing sectors.