Robotics startup Skild AI, backed by Amazon and SoftBank Group, has introduced a foundational artificial intelligence model designed to operate across various robot types, from factory machinery to humanoid robots.

The model, named Skild Brain, allows robots to think, navigate, and respond with human-like capabilities. 

Demonstration videos showed Skild-powered robots climbing stairs, regaining balance after being pushed, and grasping objects in messy environments. The company incorporated built-in power restrictions to prevent robots from using dangerous force levels.

Skild develops its model using simulated scenarios and human action videos, then refines it with data from all robots operating the system.

Skild's customers include LG CNS, the IT solutions division of LG Group, along with other undisclosed partners in logistics and industrial sectors.

The two-year-old startup, founded by two robotics and artificial intelligence researchers Deepak Pathak and Abhinav Gupta, has recruited talent from Tesla, Nvidia, and Meta.

 

Last year, Skild raised $300 million in a Series A funding round at $1.5 billion valuation. The round was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Coatue, SoftBank Group, and Jeff Bezos (through Bezos Expeditions), with participation from Felicis Ventures, Sequoia, Menlo Ventures, General Catalyst, CRV, SV Angel, Carnegie Mellon University, and the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund & the Alexa Fund.