Figure drops OpenAI in favor of in-house models

Figure AI, a company striving to introduce general-purpose humanoid robots for both commercial and residential applications, announced on X that it is ending its collaboration with OpenAI in favor of its own in-house AI development. The Bay Area-based robotics firm cited a “major breakthrough” in AI as the primary reason for this shift. While details remain scarce, founder and CEO Brett Adcock assured Techfulnews that Figure AI will unveil a groundbreaking humanoid AI advancement within the next 30 days.

Strategic Shift Away from OpenAI

OpenAI has played a notable role in Figure AI’s journey, previously collaborating on next-generation AI models for humanoid robots. In 2023, Figure AI secured $675 million in funding, bringing its valuation to $2.6 billion. To date, the company has raised $1.5 billion from investors, highlighting the immense financial backing behind its ambitious projects.

The decision to sever ties with OpenAI is unexpected, given the latter’s dominant position in artificial intelligence. Simply being associated with OpenAI typically offers companies a significant visibility boost. Just last August, Figure AI confirmed that its Figure 02 humanoid would utilize OpenAI’s models for natural language interactions.

The Challenge of Integration

Despite OpenAI’s expertise in AI-driven applications, Adcock pointed out that the integration process posed serious challenges. OpenAI operates on a massive scale, focusing primarily on general AI applications rather than embodied AI, which integrates artificial intelligence into physical systems such as robots. According to Adcock, vertical integration is the key to successfully scaling humanoid robotics.

“To solve embodied AI at scale in the real world, you have to vertically integrate robot AI,” Adcock told Techfullnews. “We can’t outsource AI for the same reason we can’t outsource our hardware.”

OpenAI’s Expanding Interest in Humanoid Robotics

Interestingly, OpenAI has been diversifying its investments in humanoid technology. The company is a major backer of 1X, a Norwegian robotics startup that focuses on humanoids for home applications. While many humanoid robot firms target industrial and warehouse automation, 1X has pivoted toward residential use cases.

Furthermore, OpenAI’s latest trademark application, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), suggests an interest in humanoid robotics. The filing references “user-programmable humanoid robots” and “humanoid robots with communication and learning capabilities”, fueling speculation that OpenAI might be developing its own hardware.

Figure AI’s Focus: Industry Over Homes

Although Figure AI has explored residential applications for its robots, its primary focus remains industrial deployments. This strategy aligns with automakers’ greater financial resources for testing and implementing emerging technologies. BMW, for example, began deploying Figure robots at its South Carolina factory in 2023, marking a significant milestone for the company.

The Competitive Landscape: Proprietary AI vs. Partnerships

The robotics industry remains divided on whether to develop proprietary AI models or rely on external partnerships. While Figure AI is doubling down on in-house development, other leading humanoid firms continue collaborating with AI specialists.

For instance, Boston Dynamics has partnered with the Toyota Research Institute to enhance its Atlas humanoid robot with advanced AI capabilities. The approach mirrors Apple’s vertically integrated ecosystem, where software is optimized specifically for proprietary hardware. However, achieving seamless hardware-software synergy is both complex and resource-intensive.

The Road Ahead for Figure AI

With its deep financial backing, Figure AI has been able to rapidly scale its hardware and software teams, recently relocating to a larger Bay Area office to accommodate its growth. The company’s shift away from OpenAI marks a pivotal moment in its mission to redefine humanoid robotics through proprietary AI models.

The next 30 days will be crucial, as Figure AI promises to showcase a technological advancement that has never been seen on a humanoid robot. If successful, this move could position the company as a leader in the humanoid robotics space, setting a new standard for vertically integrated AI-powered robots.

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DeepSeek App Removed from Apple and Google Stores in Italy Amid Privacy Concerns

by George Mensah 2025-01-30

Chinese AI company DeepSeek has encountered a major obstacle as its app has been removed from Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store in Italy. This action follows an inquiry by Italian regulators into how the company manages user data. The sudden disappearance of the app comes as it gains widespread popularity, ranking as the most downloaded app in several countries, including the United States.

Italian Authorities Scrutinize DeepSeek’s Data Policies

Italian regulators launched an investigation after a complaint by consumer advocacy group Euroconsumers, demanding transparency about DeepSeek’s data handling practices. Authorities have given the company 20 days to provide detailed information regarding its data protection policies.

A key concern is that DeepSeek’s privacy policy specifies that user data is stored on servers in China. This has sparked fears regarding data security, regulatory compliance, and possible foreign access. According to the company’s policy:

“Where we transfer any personal information out of the country where you live, including for one or more of the purposes as set out in this Policy, we will do so in accordance with the requirements of applicable data protection laws.”

Given the strict European Union (EU) data privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), these assurances have not been enough to satisfy regulators.

Broader Implications for AI and Data Regulation in Europe

While Italy’s data protection authority (DPA) is the first to take formal action against DeepSeek, other European regulators are closely observing the situation. Although they have not specifically mentioned DeepSeek, several authorities have emphasized that AI-powered services must comply with EU data privacy and AI governance standards.

This scrutiny reflects growing concerns over how AI firms collect, store, and process personal data. As the EU moves toward stricter AI regulations, this case may set an important precedent for how AI applications are regulated and monitored in Europe.

What Lies Ahead for DeepSeek in Europe?

With Italy spearheading the probe into DeepSeek’s data practices, it remains uncertain whether other European nations will impose similar restrictions. The company’s response within the 20-day deadline will be crucial in determining its future in Italy and the broader EU market.

For businesses and users relying on AI-powered applications, this case highlights the increasing emphasis on data transparency and legal compliance. As AI continues to advance, companies in this sector must prioritize adherence to local regulations to maintain market presence in tightly regulated regions like Europe.

At present, DeepSeek’s app remains unavailable in Italy, leaving users uncertain about its return. The upcoming weeks will be critical in shaping the company’s trajectory in the European digital landscape.

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Meet DeepSeek’s Founder: Liang Wenfeng and His Vision to Reshape AI in China

by George Mensah 2025-01-28

Liang Wenfeng, the 39-year-old mastermind behind DeepSeek, has rapidly emerged as a central figure in China’s quest for AI supremacy. His rise to prominence comes at a time when China faces increasing technological restrictions from the U.S., making homegrown innovation more crucial than ever.

Until recently, Liang maintained a remarkably low profile, rarely engaging with the media. However, his influence became undeniable when he was among nine individuals invited to speak at a high-level symposium led by Chinese Premier Li Qiang on January 20. This exclusive event underscored the significance of DeepSeek’s contributions to China’s AI ambitions, positioning the company as a key player in the nation’s technological strategy.

DeepSeek’s Disruptive AI Model and Market Impact

DeepSeek recently launched an AI assistant that has already sent shockwaves through the global tech sector. The company claims its model operates with significantly reduced data requirements and at a fraction of the cost compared to existing AI solutions. This breakthrough has led to widespread market reactions, including a selloff in tech stocks, as investors recognize the potential disruption DeepSeek poses to established AI giants.

Unlike many Chinese tech firms that focus on consumer applications, DeepSeek prioritizes research and model development. Liang’s vision is clear: rather than competing in the crowded app market, DeepSeek aims to create cutting-edge AI models that other businesses can integrate into their own products. This strategy contrasts with China’s traditional approach of rapidly scaling foreign innovations, a practice that has long defined its tech industry.

Breaking Free from the “Follower” Mentality

Liang has been vocal about the need for China’s AI sector to shift from imitation to true innovation. “China cannot remain in a perpetual state of following others,” he said in a rare interview. “The real gap between China and the U.S. is not just a matter of time—it’s about originality versus replication.”

He believes that China’s tech industry has historically prioritized short-term financial gains over groundbreaking research. “For decades, the focus has been on making money rather than pushing the boundaries of innovation,” he remarked. “True breakthroughs require not just investment but a deep curiosity and a passion for creation.”

Championing Open-Source AI for Global Influence

A defining characteristic of DeepSeek’s approach is its commitment to open-source AI models. Unlike OpenAI, which has opted for a closed-source strategy, DeepSeek makes its core AI technology available for public use and modification. Liang sees this as more than just a business decision—it’s a philosophy.

“Open-source is not just a corporate strategy; it’s a cultural mindset,” he explained. “Even if OpenAI remains closed, it cannot prevent others from catching up. Companies that embrace open-source gain a unique form of soft power that extends beyond their immediate business interests.”

This perspective aligns with the collaborative ethos that has driven Silicon Valley’s success and could play a crucial role in shaping China’s AI development on a global scale.

Liang Wenfeng: From Academia to AI Leadership

Liang’s journey began in Guangdong, a region known for its entrepreneurial spirit and rapid economic development. Despite growing up in an environment where business acumen was highly valued, Liang was drawn to academia. At just 17, he entered Zhejiang University, one of China’s top institutions, to study Electronics and Communication Engineering. He later earned a master’s degree in Information and Communication Engineering, completing his studies in 2010.

His career took a significant turn in 2015 when he co-founded a quantitative hedge fund, leveraging advanced mathematical models for algorithmic trading. Under his leadership, the fund grew to manage assets exceeding 100 billion yuan ($13.79 billion). However, in 2023, Liang announced a dramatic shift in focus—his firm would redirect resources toward AI research, specifically in the field of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Just a month later, DeepSeek was born.

The Pursuit of AGI: DeepSeek’s Ultimate Goal

DeepSeek is not merely building AI tools—it is striving to develop AGI, a form of artificial intelligence that can outperform humans in most economically valuable tasks. This ambitious mission has attracted top-tier talent from China’s most prestigious universities, many of whom are drawn by the challenge of solving AI’s most complex problems.

“What motivates the best minds in the world is the opportunity to tackle the hardest problems,” Liang stated. “Our goal remains clear: we are pursuing AGI.”

What Lies Ahead for DeepSeek and Liang Wenfeng?

Under Liang Wenfeng’s leadership, DeepSeek has positioned itself as a game-changer in the AI industry. By focusing on foundational AI research rather than consumer applications, championing open-source collaboration, and striving for AGI, DeepSeek is reshaping China’s role in the global AI race.

Liang’s approach challenges traditional business strategies in China’s tech sector, advocating for a shift from profit-driven innovation to research-led breakthroughs. As DeepSeek continues to evolve, its success could signal a new era where China is no longer just catching up in AI—but leading the way.

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