OpenAI‑Backed 1X Scores Breakthrough, Buying Kind Humanoid
1X Scores a Humanoid Deal
The robotics world just got a little more cuddly—1X has snapped up Norway’s slick startup Kind Humanoid, according to a TechCrunch scoop this Monday. Picture a tiny but mighty consolidation that’s nudging the entire humanoid sector toward a big‑bang flash in 2025.
Back‑story
- Back in October, when Kind Humanoid was still a three‑person crew, the team pulled in design legend Yves Béhar. The guy’s cooked up gadgets from the Jawbone fitness tracker to the One Laptop Per Child, so he brought the style and the street cred.
- During a Zoom tour led by ex‑Google robotics whiz Christoph Kohstall, the East Bay office looked more like a garage than a lab: there was a quirky $80 coat rack instead of a classic gantry system.
- Béhar’s involvement and the company’s free‑wheeling vibe made Kind a darling for other robotics players—while 1X has been making noise with AI‑first moves and a $100M funding haul just last January.
Why It Matters
Crunching robotic code isn’t just about engineering; it’s about who’s watching the show. By grabbing Kind, 1X is stacking a fresh, inventive robot under its brand umbrella, tightening the skirmish that could erupt in 2025. Whether it’s the next wave of personal assistants or factory floor pals, this acquisition signals that the humanoid arena is no longer a niche playground.
Bottom Line
So, sit back as 1X and Kind Humanoid join forces—think of it like adding a new character to an already thrilling sci‑fi series. The clash of high‑flying AI and down‑to‑earth design could be the next chapter in the story of robots that are almost, but not quite, human.
Investor Boom & Humanoid Huddle
Picture this: tech giants like Tiger Global and OpenAI are all in, declaring themselves hot‑shots investors for the latest buzz. OpenAI, of course, is pulling up its suit on the front line—especially when ChatGPT continues to rock the headlines. Meanwhile, Kind is making waves, focusing on how massive language models could be the secret sauce behind the next wave of robot toys that look and act just like us.
A Match Made in Silicon Valley
The alliance between Kind and 1X is all about the idea that robots need to grow alongside the people that build them. Think of it as a human‑robot sitcom where both cast and crew learn to collaborate and thrive together.
- Humanoid Expertise: Kind brings deep knowledge and a culture that meshes perfectly with 1X’s goal of sprinkling safe, smart humanoids everywhere.
- Bay Area Expansion: With Kind’s operations in tow, 1X is gearing up to magnify its presence in the tech hot‑spot.
- RT: Deal Details: Officials are keeping the specifics under wraps for now.
Why It’s Hilariously Exciting
It’s like watching a plot twist where two companies decide to merge into a perfect partnership—robotics fans, get ready to say, “Yes!” And you know what? The tech world is buzzing louder than a coffee shop on a Monday morning.
Stay Tuned for the Next Chapter
So, keep your eyes peeled. Whether you’re a coder, a design enthusiast, or just somebody who loves robots that probably won’t spill your coffee (yet), this partnership is one to watch in the endless saga of tech innovation.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.
Get Your Weekly AI Scoop
TechCrunch is riding the AI wave, and we want you on board! Every Wednesday, we’ll drop a fresh, exciting newsletter straight into your inbox.
Why You’ll Love It
- Cutting‑Edge Content: From breakthroughs in machine learning to the latest gadgets shaping tomorrow, we cover it all.
- Digestible Format: Short, snappy sections tucked with a pinch of humor—because who says tech has to be dull?
- Direct to Inbox: No blogs to click, no newsletters to sift—just pure AI insights delivered to your email.
Ready to Subscribe?
Head over to our registration page, sign up with your email, and you’re all set. We’ll be on a mission to keep your inbox buzzing with AI news—every single Wednesday.
