At least since the success of ChatGPT, everyone knows OpenAI. In addition to the groundbreaking chatbot, they are also pioneers in image creation and other areas of generative AI. But now the company is looking to take the next step.
OpenAI recently invested $23.5 million from their startup fund in Norwegian robotics company 1X (formerly Halodi Robotics). The details about the collaboration between the two companies are still unclear, but it seems that the long-term goals are to develop robots in humanoid form that can perform work previously done by humans, equipped with artificial intelligence.
The idea that robots could play an important role in the world of work is not new. But integrating artificial intelligence into these machines could fundamentally change the job market. There are already robots being used in factories to perform repetitive or dangerous tasks. But the idea that robots could supplement or even replace humans in complex tasks is still relatively new.
Open AI COO Brad Lightcap points out that 1X is a pioneer in work augmentation through safe, advanced robotics technology. This could revolutionize the world of work and help increase productivity. Another benefit is that the robots can be perfectly physically adapted to the task at hand. In addition, worker AIs have access to the Internet’s almost limitless store of knowledge and are able to form a networked swarm intelligence. If one robot learns to perform a task, all are able to do so thereafter.
Of course, there are also concerns about the impact this technology could have on the world of work. If robots take over the work of humans, it could lead to unemployment. However, it is important to remember that new technologies can also create new jobs. In the past, for example, the introduction of automation technologies has led to new jobs in the IT industry.
It remains to be seen how the collaboration between OpenAI and 1X will develop and what impact this will have on the world of work. One thing is certain, however: the combination of advanced robotics technology and artificial intelligence has the potential to fundamentally change the world of work and create new opportunities that we cannot yet imagine today.
