Techme101.com

Figure AI, a company that specializes in the development of humanoid robots, is planning to secure $500 million in a funding round led by Microsoft Corp. and OpenAI, according to Bloomberg.
Although the tech giant reportedly will not provide the full amount, it is said to be investing approximately $95 million alongside OpenAI, which will contribute $5 million. If the funding round is successful, the company might achieve a pre-money valuation of $1.9 billion.
However, the funding round is not yet finalized, and there is always the possibility of talks collapsing. The potential investors and Figure AI have also not commented on the situation.
Why is Figure AI creating humanoid robots?
Figure AI’s website states that it aims to amalgamate new AI technologies with robotics, in order “to develop general purpose humanoids that make a positive impact on humanity and create a better life for future generations.” It believes that by creating humanoid robots, “unsafe and undesirable jobs” can be eliminated, thus helping to plug unprecedented labor shortages.
However, the California-based company said that its priority will be in industries such as manufacturing, shipping and logistics, warehousing, and retail, “where labor shortages are the most severe.”
The AI-powered robot is set to look like a human called Figure 01, equipped with “two legs, two arms, hands, and screen for a face.” Brett Adcock, founder and CEO, said it has managed to make coffee like a human.
Adcock added that his sole focus is “building Figure with a 30-year view to positively impact the future of humanity.” Earlier this month, the company signed a deal with BMW to have its robot work in the car developer’s United States’ facilities.
Where do robots work today?
There are already several devices being used in the workforce such as warehouse robots, who help get work done in giant facilities. Similarly, an affordable robot has been created to help with intricate tasks called Mobile ALOHA. Stanford University scientists used AI, readily available components and 3D-printed hardware to make the £32,000 robot.
AI and robotics are also working in several healthcare establishments, carrying out tasks such as genetic testing, robotic surgery, cancer research, data collection, and more.
Featured image: Canva / Figure AI / Mike Mozart
The post Figure AI in talks with Microsoft and OpenAI for funding appeared first on ReadWrite.

Minecraft, one of the most popular video games of all time, and with good reason has stayed the course for well over a decade, survived a huge corporate takeover by Microsoft, and still continues to innovate, educate, and entertain in equal measure. But until now, it did not have Godzilla. Now it does, and that makes today a great day.
The King of Monsters, Gojira, Godzilla, or whatever you know him has appeared in almost 40 movies since his big-screen debut in 1954, even a few cartoon shows as well in the 80s, and now he is here, made out of blocks destroying our fabulous Minecraft cities – and only you and your friends have a hope of stopping him.
The Godzilla Minecraft DLC includes four adventures, all based on iconic Godzilla movies, and has been created by Japanese studio Team-KYO.

Up from the depth, 50 stories high
As well as the actual adventures it comes with a whole host of movie history and tributes as you start off, fittingly in a cinema, and from there choose which screening (adventure) you want to play.
There are various modes including one where you need to escape the rampaging reptile and another where you take control of Gojira himself and smash up the joint, in the best city-smashing escapade since Rampage in the arcades in the 1980s (google it),
You can unlock the DLC for yourself for 1510 Minecoins (tokens) (around $8).
If you are not a big fan of Godzilla you could always check out our story on this amazing Hogwarts mod for Minecraft, or even find the best prison games to play in Minecraft, but we think you should definitely check out the Godzilla video above before you make your mind up, as it is very cool indeed
The post Insanely cool-looking Godzilla DLC comes to Minecraft appeared first on ReadWrite.

A judge has rejected a Tesla deal that helped its CEO, Elon Musk, receive a $56 billion pay package, propelling him to become the richest person in the world. Judge Kathaleen McCormick in Delaware called the compensation an “unfathomable sum,” ruling that he “failed” to prove that it was fair.
In her ruling, she wrote that Musk “enjoyed thick ties with the directors tasked with negotiating on behalf of Tesla, and dominated the process that led to board approval of his compensation plan,” and deemed that there was a conflict of interest between the parties involved. The suit was filed by Tesla shareholder Richard Tornetta, who sued Musk and several Tesla directors in 2018, claiming that the pay package was unwarranted.
“The process leading to the approval of Musk’s compensation plan was deeply flawed. Musk had extensive ties with the persons tasked with negotiating on Tesla’s behalf,” McCormick wrote.
She also referred to Musk as the “Superstar CEO,” who owned 21.9% of the company and held influential positions, allowing him to have “thick ties” with the directors who were negotiating the deal, and thus having significant influence over the approval process. The judge also agreed that Tornetta was also entitled to a “recission” as a remedy, directing Tesla and its shareholders to implement her decision and reverse the deal. However, Musk’s team retains the option to appeal her ruling.
Musk responded by conducting a poll on his platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, asking users whether Tesla should change its state of incorporation to Texas. He also criticized the decision by saying, “I recommend incorporating in Nevada or Texas if you prefer shareholders to decide matters.” At the time of writing, more than 88% out of 700,000 users called to move Tesla’s headquarters.

I recommend incorporating in Nevada or Texas if you prefer shareholders to decide matters
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 31, 2024

Should Tesla change its state of incorporation to Texas, home of its physical headquarters?
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 31, 2024

Tesla stocks tumble
Tesla’s shares dropped over 3% in after-hours trading, and as of Tuesday, the company’s market capitalization was approximately $600 billion. According to Bloomberg, the 201-page ruling could reduce Musk’s wealth, potentially making him the third richest person in the world.
The stock already took a dive last week after it released its fourth-quarter earnings, causing shares to fall more than 5% in extended trade.
Featured image: Canva / Debbie Rowe / The Royal Society
The post Elon Musk’s $56bn Tesla pay package voided by Delaware judge appeared first on ReadWrite.