Latest news with #Ballie
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nvidia And Samsung Back $4.5B Robotics Startup Skild AI With $35M As SoftBank And Jeff Bezos Drive Push Into Consumer Robots
Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Samsung are investing a combined $35 million into Skild AI, a general-purpose robotics intelligence startup that's rapidly gaining investor confidence. The Series B funding round, which values Skild AI at approximately $4.5 billion, is led by a $100 million investment from Japan's SoftBank Group, Bloomberg reports. Samsung has committed $10 million to the round, using the investment to keep strategic visibility into Skild's technology and talent pipeline without committing to full-scale acquisition. According to Bloomberg, Nvidia is contributing $25 million, reinforcing its growing push into what CEO Jensen Huang has described as the "physical AI" revolution. Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Many are rushing to The round follows Skild's $300 million Series A raise in July 2024, which Skild AI says included backing from Lightspeed Venture Partners, Coatue, SoftBank, and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) founder Jeff Bezos through Bezos Expeditions. Skild AI says it is developing a shared "foundation model" that acts as a general-purpose brain for a wide range of robots across manipulation, locomotion, and navigation tasks. The startup notes that this model represents a step change in how robotic systems will scale, with long-term ambitions to build artificial general intelligence grounded in the physical world. Skild AI positions its technology as a scalable solution to the U.S. labor shortage, particularly in high-risk industries like oil rigs and manufacturing. A study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute projects that over 2.1 million U.S. manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030, and the startup believes its adaptable foundation model could help rebalance labor across sectors. Trending: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. Nvidia's investment aligns with its broader ecosystem strategy to integrate intelligent robotics into everyday environments, from homes to factories to autonomous vehicles. According to Bloomberg, the company already supports startups like Figure AI and Serve Robotics and offers the necessary semiconductors and software infrastructure to support robotics deployment at scale. Samsung sees the Skild investment as a way to monitor emerging robotics breakthroughs while staying competitive with fellow South Korean conglomerates like LG, Hanwha, and Mirae Asset, which have also committed capital to Skild AI, Bloomberg reports. Samsung has recently taken similar minority stakes in robotics startups such as Physical Intelligence, which focuses on robotic control algorithms. According to Bloomberg, the giant also holds the largest share in Rainbow Robotics, a firm focused on humanoid robots, and plans to launch a domestic robot named Ballie later this year in collaboration with says that despite Samsung viewing some of Skild's capabilities as lagging behind other options on the market, the investment signals growing confidence in the startup's long-term potential. Robotics is evolving into one of the most competitive and capital-intensive arenas in tech, with Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) Meta (NASDAQ:META), Alphabet's (NASDAQ:GOOG, GOOGL)) Google, Amazon, and Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) all accelerating work on consumer and humanoid robotics platforms, Bloomberg says. With heavyweight investors now backing its vision, Skild AI may be emerging as a major rival in the race to bring adaptable, intelligent robots into real-world environments at scale. Read Next: Here's what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy. Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Nvidia And Samsung Back $4.5B Robotics Startup Skild AI With $35M As SoftBank And Jeff Bezos Drive Push Into Consumer Robots originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Samsung, Nvidia, and SoftBank Just Made a $4.5B Robot Bet--Here's What It Means for the Future of AI
Samsung Electronics (SSNLF) and Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) are diving deeper into the humanoid robotics race. The two tech giants have taken minority stakes in Skild AI, a startup building software to power autonomous robots. Nvidia is investing $25 million. Samsung is putting in $10 million. The deal is part of a Series B round led by SoftBank, which is anchoring the raise with a $100 million commitment that pegs Skild's valuation at around $4.5 billion. While Nvidia is leaning in to expand its physical AI footprint, Samsung sees this as a low-risk way to stay close to the actionespecially with local rivals like LG, Hanwha, and Mirae Asset also quietly joining the round with $510 million each. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Signs with SSNLF. For Nvidia, this isn't just another side bet. The company has been steadily positioning itself as the engine room behind autonomous machinesoffering chips, software, and developer tools for what it calls physical AI. Skild could slot neatly into that narrative. Samsung, on the other hand, appears to be taking a more cautious view. Insiders say the Korean giant doesn't rate all of Skild's solutions as best-in-class, but it still wants access to the startup's team and roadmap. This isn't Samsung's first robotics foray either. It's invested in Physical Intelligence, controls a stake in Rainbow Robotics, and is preparing to launch the Ballie robot with Googlea soccer-ball-shaped bot that can project video onto walls. Meanwhile, the broader robotics land grab is gaining momentum. Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is prepping its Optimus robot for commercialization. Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Meta (NASDAQ:META), Google (NASDAQ:GOOG), and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) are also racing to build their own next-gen humanoids. These aren't just futuristic moonshots anymorethey're shaping up to be real businesses. And Skild's latest round, backed by three of the world's biggest tech investors, signals just how serious this new frontier is becoming. The physical world might be robotics' next platformand no one wants to be left behind. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error al recuperar los datos Inicia sesión para acceder a tu cartera de valores Error al recuperar los datos Error al recuperar los datos Error al recuperar los datos Error al recuperar los datos
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nvidia, Samsung Plan Investments in Robotics Startup Skild AI
(Bloomberg) -- Samsung Electronics Co. and Nvidia Corp. will take minority stakes in Skild AI Inc. as they seek to bolster their work in the emerging consumer robotics industry. Shuttered NY College Has Alumni Fighting Over Its Future Trump's Military Parade Has Washington Bracing for Tanks and Weaponry NYC Renters Brace for Price Hikes After Broker-Fee Ban NY Long Island Rail Service Resumes After Grand Central Fire NYC Mayoral Candidates All Agree on Building More Housing. But Where? The South Korean tech leader is making a $10 million investment in Skild, which develops software for robots, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The Santa Clara, California chipmaker is putting in $25 million, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing unannounced plans. The financing is part of the company's Series B funding round, which will value the company at around $4.5 billion and is led by a $100 million investment from Japan's SoftBank Group Corp. Internally, Samsung views its Skild investment as a way to keep visibility into the startup and its talent without needing to make a significant commitment. Another reason: to keep pace with other South Korean conglomerates like LG, Hanwha and Mirae Asset, which all have divisions putting between $5 million to $10 million into Skild. Nvidia has begun to push the idea of 'physical AI' — meaning robots and autonomous vehicles — becoming a significant future revenue driver as the technology matures. The chipmaker has semiconductors, software and services aimed at speeding up the deployment of robots that can think for themselves. Samsung considers some aspects of Skild's solutions inferior to others in the market, said some of the people. Representatives for Samsung and Nvidia declined to comment. A representative for Skild didn't respond to an inquiry. Robotics are quickly becoming a major area of future growth for the world's technology companies, with Apple Inc., Meta Platforms Inc., Inc. and Alphabet Inc.'s Google all investing heavily in the space. Tesla Inc., meanwhile, has long been preparing to ship its Optimus robot. A few months ago, Samsung took a minority stake in Physical Intelligence, which also develops underlying robotics algorithms, with a small investment. The startup has already raised around $400 million and was last valued at about $2.4 billion. Nvidia has invested in companies like Figure AI and Serve Robotics. Samsung already sells robot vacuums, but its ambitions go deeper to include humanoid robots and other household appliances. Later this year, in partnership will Google, it will launch the Ballie, a soccer-ball-sized machine that can project video onto walls. Samsung is also the largest shareholder of Rainbow Robotics, which makes humanoids. That company sits at the center of its work in the field. --With assistance from Ian King, Kate Clark and Yoolim Lee. New Grads Join Worst Entry-Level Job Market in Years The Spying Scandal Rocking the World of HR Software American Mid: Hampton Inn's Good-Enough Formula for World Domination The SEC Pinned Its Hack on a Few Hapless Day Traders. The Full Story Is Far More Troubling Cavs Owner Dan Gilbert Wants to Donate His Billions—and Walk Again ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nvidia, Samsung Plan Investments in Robotics Startup Skild AI
(Bloomberg) -- Samsung Electronics Co. and Nvidia Corp. will take minority stakes in Skild AI Inc. as they seek to bolster their work in the emerging consumer robotics industry. Shuttered NY College Has Alumni Fighting Over Its Future Trump's Military Parade Has Washington Bracing for Tanks and Weaponry NYC Renters Brace for Price Hikes After Broker-Fee Ban NY Long Island Rail Service Resumes After Grand Central Fire NYC Mayoral Candidates All Agree on Building More Housing. But Where? The South Korean tech leader is making a $10 million investment in Skild, which develops software for robots, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The Santa Clara, California chipmaker is putting in $25 million, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing unannounced plans. The financing is part of the company's Series B funding round, which will value the company at around $4.5 billion and is led by a $100 million investment from Japan's SoftBank Group Corp. Internally, Samsung views its Skild investment as a way to keep visibility into the startup and its talent without needing to make a significant commitment. Another reason: to keep pace with other South Korean conglomerates like LG, Hanwha and Mirae Asset, which all have divisions putting between $5 million to $10 million into Skild. Nvidia has begun to push the idea of 'physical AI' — meaning robots and autonomous vehicles — becoming a significant future revenue driver as the technology matures. The chipmaker has semiconductors, software and services aimed at speeding up the deployment of robots that can think for themselves. Samsung considers some aspects of Skild's solutions inferior to others in the market, said some of the people. Representatives for Samsung and Nvidia declined to comment. A representative for Skild didn't respond to an inquiry. Robotics are quickly becoming a major area of future growth for the world's technology companies, with Apple Inc., Meta Platforms Inc., Inc. and Alphabet Inc.'s Google all investing heavily in the space. Tesla Inc., meanwhile, has long been preparing to ship its Optimus robot. A few months ago, Samsung took a minority stake in Physical Intelligence, which also develops underlying robotics algorithms, with a small investment. The startup has already raised around $400 million and was last valued at about $2.4 billion. Nvidia has invested in companies like Figure AI and Serve Robotics. Samsung already sells robot vacuums, but its ambitions go deeper to include humanoid robots and other household appliances. Later this year, in partnership will Google, it will launch the Ballie, a soccer-ball-sized machine that can project video onto walls. Samsung is also the largest shareholder of Rainbow Robotics, which makes humanoids. That company sits at the center of its work in the field. --With assistance from Ian King, Kate Clark and Yoolim Lee. New Grads Join Worst Entry-Level Job Market in Years The Spying Scandal Rocking the World of HR Software American Mid: Hampton Inn's Good-Enough Formula for World Domination The SEC Pinned Its Hack on a Few Hapless Day Traders. The Full Story Is Far More Troubling Cavs Owner Dan Gilbert Wants to Donate His Billions—and Walk Again ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Millions able to upgrade their TV for FREE just by tweaking three settings to unlock better picture in under 30 seconds
Eco Mode is designed to reduce your TVs energy consumption - but it can make for a worse picture PICTURE PERFECT Millions able to upgrade their TV for FREE just by tweaking three settings to unlock better picture in under 30 seconds Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE default settings on your Samsung TV don't always make for the sharpest picture. But with a few quick tweaks, you can unlock a picture perfect viewing experience. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 By prioritising energy conservation, Eco Mode can bruise your picture quality Credit: Getty Eco mode Eco Mode is designed to reduce your TV's energy consumption. But in prioritising energy conservation as its main objective, picture quality can take a hit. The setting reduces brightness and contrast, dulls colours, and makes it harder to see details in darker scenes. This can be a pain when watching a dark-lit, shadowy movie, or gaming. To disable it, press the gear icon on your remote - this will take you to your telly's settings. Navigate to All Settings > General and Privacy > Power and Energy Saving > and Energy Saving Solution > then toggle it off. Automatic brightness Another tweak you can make is to your brightness optimisation. This is the tool that automatically adjusts your TV's brightness based on the lighting in your room. While helpful, it can often deliver inconsistent results, especially in rooms where the light levels change throughout the day. Samsung's home robot Ballie rolls around and projects TV anywhere you like This means the feature can leave your telly looking to dim or too bright - an annoyance for those searching for the best picture. Fortunately, you can still adjust your brightness settings manually. First you'll want to turn off Brightness Optimisation in the Power and Energy Saving menu. Next, head to All Settings > Picture > Expert Settings > Brightness and adjust it manually while watching. If you're watching high-definition content, make sure you put an HDR video on the screen and adjust the brightness accordingly. Motion smoothing Motion Smoothing, which is also called Picture Clarity on Samsung TVs, is another feature you should switch off in settings. The tool adds extra frames in an effort to reduce blur on fast-moving content, like sports. But it often creates the unwanted soap opera effect - where motion becomes hyper-smooth like on live TV. To turn it off, go to All Settings > Picture > Expert Settings > Picture Clarity Settings and set Picture Clarity to Off.
