SoftBank is in talks to invest US$500 million in SkildAI, a robotics software company developing an advanced AI model for automation. If finalised, the deal would value the company at US$4 billion, according to reports from Bloomberg and the Financial Times.
SkildAI, a two-year-old company, previously secured US$300 million in funding last July at a valuation of US$1.5 billion. That round saw investments from high-profile backers such as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Coatue Management.
AI-powered robotics attracts growing investor interest
SkildAI’s AI model is designed to work with various robotic systems. Founders Deepak Pathak and Abhinav Gupta explained last year that their technology is a foundational model that can be adapted for different industries and applications.
The intersection of artificial intelligence and robotics has become a major focus for investors. Over the past year, funding for AI-driven robotics companies has surged, with Jeff Bezos emerging as a key player in this sector.
In November, another startup, Physical Intelligence, raised US$400 million at a US$2 billion pre-money valuation. The company, which also aims to develop AI-driven “brains” for robots, secured backing from Bezos, Lux Capital, and Thrive Capital.
Investment in AI-powered humanoid robots on the rise
The trend of funding AI robotics continued earlier this year when Figure AI, a startup focused on creating AI-powered humanoid robots, secured US$675 million in February. That funding round valued Figure AI at US$2.6 billion and included investments from major tech companies like Microsoft, Nvidia, and the OpenAI Startup Fund. Amazon’s Industrial Innovation Fund and Bezos Expeditions also contributed to the round.
The significant financial backing pouring into AI-powered robotics suggests growing confidence in the sector. As AI continues to advance, investors are betting on robotics’ potential to revolutionise industries ranging from manufacturing to logistics and beyond.
