Figure Secures $3.5B to Power Humanoid Robots

The big picture: Humanoid robotics company Figure has partnered with Nscale for a multi-year compute commitment, initially valued at $3.5 billion. This deal aims to support Figure’s next generation of humanoid robots by deploying up to 100,000 Nvidia GPUs. Nscale will also become a shareholder and make an undisclosed strategic investment in Figure.

Why it matters:

• Scaling Physical AI: The partnership addresses a critical bottleneck for humanoid robotics, providing the massive compute resources needed for training and deploying advanced AI models like Figure’s Helix.
• Nvidia Ecosystem Integration: The deal leverages Nvidia’s Vera Rubin platform and Isaac Sim, further embedding Figure within a robust AI infrastructure ecosystem for rapid development.
• Industry Validation: A multi-billion dollar compute commitment underscores growing confidence in the commercial viability and transformative potential of physical AI and humanoid robots.

How it works:

• Compute Provisioning: Nscale will serve as Figure’s preferred compute provider, delivering the power, platform, and orchestration layer for Nvidia AI infrastructure.
• Model Training & Deployment: The compute will support Figure’s AI models from initial training through to deployment on its humanoid robots, with initial GPU deployments targeted for the second half of 2027 in Barstow, Texas.
• Supply Chain Exploration: Both companies will explore using humanoid robots to help scale Nscale’s own supply chain, potentially creating a symbiotic relationship.

The catch: The $3.5 billion figure represents a compute commitment, not direct cash, and the actual strategic investment amount from Nscale remains undisclosed. The long deployment timeline, with initial GPUs targeted for late 2027, highlights the significant lead times and capital intensity required for advanced AI infrastructure, posing execution risks in a rapidly evolving market.