NVIDIA & Samsung Back Skild AI in Robotics Leap

In a bold move that could reshape the future of robotics, tech titans NVIDIA and Samsung have placed their bets on Skild AI, a software startup poised to leapfrog the consumer robotics industry into its next evolutionary stage. As of June 13, 2025, both companies have taken minority stakes in Skild AI, with NVIDIA investing $25 million and Samsung contributing $10 million as part of a massive Series B funding round led by SoftBank, which poured in $100 million at a staggering $4.5 billion valuation[1][2][5]. For those of us who have tracked the rise of AI and robotics over the past decade, this isn’t just another funding headline—it’s a watershed moment signaling that humanoid robots and next-gen smart appliances are rapidly moving from science fiction to store shelves.

Why This Matters: The Robotics Revolution Accelerates

Let’s face it: we’ve all seen our share of clunky, single-function robots. But the consumer robotics market is projected to explode into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with startups and established giants alike racing to bring advanced, adaptable machines into our homes and workplaces. Skild AI is at the center of this transformation, developing software that makes robots more intelligent, versatile, and—eventually—ubiquitous[1][2].

Samsung’s investment is particularly telling. The company is already a player in consumer robotics with its popular robot vacuums and the experimental Ballie robot, created in collaboration with Google. By backing Skild AI, Samsung is signaling a clear intent to move beyond simple cleaning devices and into the realm of sophisticated, AI-driven companions and humanoid robots[2]. NVIDIA, meanwhile, is doubling down on its “physical AI” strategy, aiming to cement its leadership in intelligent robotics and autonomous vehicles. Their $25 million stake isn’t just a financial move—it’s a statement of intent.

Inside the Series B Round: Who’s In and Why

Skild AI’s latest funding round is a veritable who’s who of tech and finance. SoftBank led the charge with a $100 million investment, but the real intrigue came from the roster of co-investors: besides NVIDIA and Samsung, other Korean heavyweights like LG, Hanwha, and Mirae Asset joined the fray, each contributing between $5 million and $10 million[1]. This diverse group of backers suggests that Skild AI’s technology has broad appeal, spanning consumer electronics, defense, and financial services.

The $4.5 billion valuation is no accident. Skild AI’s software is designed to give robots the kind of adaptability and learning capabilities that have long been the holy grail of robotics research. While many companies focus on hardware, Skild AI is betting that the real value lies in the “brain” that powers these machines[2]. It’s a bet that appears to be paying off, at least in the eyes of some of the world’s savviest investors.

Historical Context: The Long Road to Intelligent Robotics

To understand why this moment is significant, it helps to look back. The robotics industry has come a long way since the days of clunky, pre-programmed machines. Early industrial robots were rigid, expensive, and limited to highly controlled environments. The rise of AI and machine learning changed all that, enabling robots to learn from experience, adapt to new situations, and even collaborate with humans.

Skild AI’s approach builds on decades of research in reinforcement learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. By focusing on software, the company is positioning itself as an enabler for a wide range of hardware partners—from vacuum cleaners to humanoid assistants. This “software-first” strategy mirrors the approach taken by NVIDIA in the realm of AI accelerators and autonomous vehicles, where software ecosystems have proven just as valuable as the hardware itself[2].

Current Developments: What Skild AI Brings to the Table

Skild AI’s core offering is a scalable, adaptable software platform that can be deployed across a variety of robotic platforms. The company’s technology enables robots to learn from their environments, make decisions in real time, and interact with humans in more natural ways. This isn’t just about making robots smarter—it’s about making them more useful and, ultimately, more accessible.

For example, imagine a robot that can not only vacuum your floors but also recognize when you’re sick and bring you medicine, or a humanoid assistant that can help with chores, provide companionship, and even offer emotional support. These are the kinds of applications that Skild AI’s software is designed to enable[2].

Interestingly enough, Skild AI isn’t the only company chasing this vision. Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and a host of startups are all working on advanced robotics solutions. But Skild AI’s focus on software—and its ability to attract top-tier investors—suggests that it could become a key player in shaping the future of the industry.

Future Implications: What’s Next for Robotics?

The implications of these investments are far-reaching. For one, they signal a growing consensus that the robotics industry is on the cusp of a major breakthrough. As AI continues to advance, robots are becoming more capable, more affordable, and more integrated into our daily lives.

This could have profound effects on industries ranging from manufacturing and healthcare to retail and hospitality. In manufacturing, intelligent robots could boost productivity and reduce costs. In healthcare, they could assist with patient care and rehabilitation. In the home, they could become trusted companions and helpers[2].

But it’s not all rosy. As Dr. Gail Gilboa Freedman recently noted, “Eventually, AI will surpass us in everything”—which raises important questions about the skills humans will need to thrive in a world where robots are ubiquitous[3]. Curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration will be more important than ever, as AI reshapes entire industries and redefines the nature of work.

Different Perspectives: Hardware vs. Software, and the Role of Big Tech

There’s a lively debate in the robotics community about whether the future belongs to hardware or software companies. On one side are companies like Tesla and Boston Dynamics, which are pushing the boundaries of what robots can do physically. On the other side are companies like Skild AI, NVIDIA, and even Google, which are betting that the real magic lies in the algorithms and data that power these machines[2].

Big tech companies are increasingly hedging their bets by investing in both hardware and software startups. Samsung, for example, is developing its own robotics hardware while also backing software innovators like Skild AI. This dual approach gives them flexibility and reduces risk, but it also underscores the importance of collaboration in an industry that is still finding its footing.

Real-World Applications and Impacts

Let’s get practical. What does all this mean for the average person? In the near term, we can expect to see more advanced robot vacuums, smarter kitchen appliances, and even humanoid companions that can help with everything from childcare to eldercare. Over time, these technologies could transform entire industries, from logistics and transportation to education and entertainment.

For businesses, the rise of intelligent robotics means new opportunities for automation, efficiency, and innovation. For consumers, it means more convenience, better service, and—hopefully—more free time. But it also raises important questions about privacy, security, and the ethical use of AI[2][3].

Comparison Table: Key Players in Advanced Robotics

Looking Ahead: The Road to Ubiquitous Robotics

As someone who’s followed AI for years, I’m thinking that we’re about to see a Cambrian explosion in robotics. The combination of advanced software, powerful hardware, and deep-pocketed investors is creating a perfect storm for innovation. NVIDIA and Samsung’s investments in Skild AI are just the latest sign that the robotics revolution is accelerating—and that the future is closer than we think.

The challenge now is to ensure that these technologies are developed responsibly, with an eye toward ethics, privacy, and the broader societal impact. As Dr. Freedman points out, the skills that will matter most in the age of AI are the ones that make us uniquely human: curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate[3].

Conclusion

NVIDIA and Samsung’s recent investments in Skild AI mark a pivotal moment for the robotics industry, signaling both confidence and ambition in the future of intelligent, adaptable machines. With a $4.5 billion valuation and backing from some of the world’s most influential tech companies, Skild AI is well-positioned to drive the next wave of innovation in consumer robotics. The implications are vast—from smarter homes to more efficient factories—and the race to define the future of robotics is well and truly on.

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