Physical Intelligence Raises $400M for Robots + AI
Avride debuts new hardware, Einride scores PepsiCo partnership
Obviously it’s a momentous day out there for America’s humans (we hope you voted!) So, let’s distract you with big news about robots…
Physical Intelligence Raises $400M
Perhaps the capital markets are truly turning around for ambitious enough startups: San Francisco based Physical Intelligence just raised $400 million at a $2 billion valuation, bringing its total cash raised to $470M. Per its sparse website, the company is “bringing general-purpose AI into the physical world” and is “…developing foundation models and learning algorithms to power the robots of today and the physically-actuated devices of the future.” The round was led by Jeff Bezos, Thrive and Lux Capital, with participation from OpenAI, Redpoint Ventures and Bond. Its machines are currently capable of tasks like folding laundry, clearing tables and opening boxes.
Meet Avride’s New Delivery Bots
Avride, the autonomous vehicle upstart that recently signed a partnership with Uber, is showing off new hardware. Its latest delivery bots go from six wheels to four, improving turning capabilities and energy efficiency, while sacrificing a bit of stability on rough terrain. The Nvidia Jetson Orin-powered bot also sports an interchangeable cargo compartment, allowing operators to update the hardware for various delivery tasks.
AV Truck Players Make Gains
AV and EV trucker Einride scored a big new partnership, with PepsiCo bringing the Swedish tech provider to electrify Frito-Lay distribution routes in Memphis. Torc Robotics also hit a major milestone, as it achieved speeds of 65 mph with no human aboard its vehicle on a closed-course environment. On the van side of things, trouble OEM Canoo just lost its CFO and top lawyer
In Other News
Picnic CEO talks expansion plans post-fundraising. Metro opening automated grocery distribution center. This $120 robot arm was built in four days and runs off GPT-4o. Checking in with Miso Robotics. Caper Carts head to indy grocer Bowman’s Market. Meet Roku Shoku, Sony’s culinary recording system.