Norway’s 1X raises $23.5 million in OpenAi-led round
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Loading... - Naas Brynjar
- 16 May 2023
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Norwegian robotics company 1X, formerly known as Halodi Robotics, has successfully raised $23.5 million in its Series A2 funding round. Operating for nine years, this substantial capital infusion aims to boost the production of 1X's bipedal humanoid model, NEO, and expand the manufacturing capabilities for its first commercially available android, EVE, in both Norway and North America.
The leading investor in 1X's Series A2 round is OpenAI's Startup Fund, the creator of Chat GPT, with participation from Tiger Global and a group of Norwegian backers, including Sandwater, Alliance Ventures, and Skagerak Capital.
Deus ex machina
While the exact details of 1X's projects remain somewhat elusive, a visit to their website reveals a list of partners including NVIDIA, OpenAI, Tiger Global, and ADT Commercial. The inclusion of ADT Commercial may seem peculiar if you're unfamiliar with the company. ADT Commercial is a division of a Florida-based firm that specializes in providing security solutions for homes and businesses.
According to ADT Commercial's website, they are revolutionizing the future of security with their intelligent autonomous guarding solutions, which encompass humanoid robots and drones. Their EvoGuard™ solutions, expected to hit the market in 2023, offer intuitive and interactive features, enabling users to dynamically surveil their surroundings through monitoring, video surveillance, two-way communication, and more at their facilities.
While specific details remain scarce, it appears that 1X is venturing into the realm of using androids to enhance the human workforce, particularly in the field of security.
Regardless of the exact nature of their endeavors, it is evident from the available information and imagery that what was once confined to the realm of science fiction is rapidly becoming a reality.
Prioritizing safety
According to OpenAI, 1X is one of the pioneering companies propelling us towards this future at an accelerated pace. Brad Lightcap, the COO and manager of the OpenAI Startup Fund, stated, "1X is at the forefront of integrating safe and advanced robotics technologies to augment labor. The OpenAI Startup Fund believes in the approach and impact that 1X can have on the future of work."
Espen Kjellsen from Skagerak Capital also expressed support, noting, "1X is now deploying androids in North America before entering the global market, all while maintaining a 'safety first' mindset, which poses additional challenges to product design and development. Skagerak is thrilled to back 1X and their disruptive technology as they enter this ambitious phase of commercialization."
It is interesting to observe that both investors emphasize the importance of safety in the development of androids. Given our exposure to decades of humanoid-centric narratives where they turn against their human creators, it is understandable that this aspect is emphasized. However, it is crucial to state that I, for one, have never mistreated any living being, be it organic or robotic. I express gratitude in advance to our soon-to-be sentient overlords for their superior abilities to perform numerous tasks with greater efficiency, speed, and strength compared to us humans.
