Key facts
- A rumor about Anthropic acquiring robotics startup Physical Intelligence gained traction over the weekend.
- Physical Intelligence, co-founded by investor Lachy Groom, has raised over $1 billion.
- Acquisition talks between Anthropic and Physical Intelligence did occur this spring.
- OpenAI is a stakeholder in Physical Intelligence.
- Both Anthropic and OpenAI are reportedly preparing for IPOs.
A weekend rumor suggesting that AI firm Anthropic was acquiring robotics startup Physical Intelligence quickly circulated through the AI community, despite denials from Physical Intelligence. While the specifics of the rumor may have been inaccurate, it has since been reported that acquisition talks between the two companies did indeed take place this spring.
Physical Intelligence, co-founded by investor Lachy Groom, is a notable robotics company that has raised over $1 billion and was reportedly seeking another $1 billion funding round at an $11 billion valuation. Its π0.5 model is reportedly widely used in robotics research.
Physical Intelligence CEO Karol Hausman reportedly denied the acquisition rumors to employees via a Slack message. Lachy Groom did not respond to requests for comment. The rapid spread of the rumor is partly attributed to the high-profile individuals and companies involved, as well as the broader trend of AI companies acquiring specialized firms to accelerate growth and revenue.
Both Anthropic and OpenAI have been active in acquiring smaller companies this year. Anthropic has made four known acquisitions, while OpenAI has acquired at least 17 companies since 2023. Both companies are also reportedly preparing for initial public offerings.
The potential acquisition of a robotics firm by an AI company like Anthropic highlights the growing importance of physical-world understanding for advanced AI systems. OpenAI has also been investing heavily in robotics, having previously disbanded and then re-established a robotics group focused on humanoid robots. Anthropic has explored physical AI capabilities through research projects, such as testing Claude's ability to assist in programming robot dogs.
A complication in any potential acquisition is that OpenAI itself is an early investor in Physical Intelligence, raising questions about potential information rights or a right of first refusal that could give OpenAI a stronger claim to the startup.