OpenAI's Former Research Chief Raises $70M to Automate Manufacturing With AI

Source: Slashdot

Funding

OpenAI’s former chief research officer is raising $70 million for a new startup that will build an AI‑driven software platform to automate manufacturing, according to the Wall Street Journal (link).

The startup, Arda, is being co‑founded by Bob McGrew and is being valued at $700 million in this round, based on sources familiar with the matter.

Technology

Arda is developing an AI and software platform that includes a video model capable of analyzing footage from factory floors. The model can be used to train robots to operate factories autonomously. The software aims to coordinate machines and humans across the entire production process—from product design and manufacturability to the finished goods coming off the line.

The company’s goal is to make manufacturing more cost‑effective in the Western world, reducing reliance on China amid rising geopolitical and national‑security concerns.

Founder Background

At OpenAI, McGrew was responsible for training robots to perform tasks in the physical world, as noted on his LinkedIn profile. He was also one of the earliest employees at Palantir.