Eka Robotics is now valued at $1.45 billion on the strength of a physical AI model for robotic arms. The company's arm is described as unusually good at picking up a wide range of objects with smooth, human-like movements.
AuxoAI, an engineering and consulting firm that helps large companies build and deploy AI systems, raised $20.7 million in a Series A. It has worked with Global 2000 enterprises for more than three years.
Firefly Technology raised $20 million in a Series A to apply AI to the physical world, starting with workplace safety.
Bob McGrew, a former OpenAI executive, is launching Arda at a $1.5 billion valuation. The startup is betting that AI can help revive American manufacturing.
In a Guardian op-ed, a chief technology officer argues that AI is getting good at many tasks but cannot replace human judgment. He points to Waymo robotaxis, which crash far less than human drivers yet keep getting avoidable parking tickets.
IT services firms face a selective rebound, 'AI-native' competitors and clients seeking productivity gains. 58% of the sector's executives expect AI to have a strong or disruptive impact on their business model.