SoftBank and Nvidia are reportedly in advanced talks to lead a funding round exceeding $1 billion for Skild AI at a valuation of $14 billion — nearly triple its worth from just seven months ago. The potential deal underscores an accelerating arms race in AI robotics, where foundational “robot brains” are becoming the next frontier for capital, competition, and strategic influence across global technology ecosystems.

A Rapidly Rising Robotics Contender

Skild AI, founded less than three years ago, has quickly become one of the most closely watched startups in the sector. The company was valued at $4.7 billion in May after raising $500 million in a SoftBank-led round that included Samsung, LG Technology Ventures and Nvidia. Now, the startup is reportedly in line for a valuation that would place it among the most valuable companies in the robotics foundation-model landscape.

Unlike humanoid-robot developers racing to build high-profile hardware, Skild AI’s approach is entirely software-first. Its flagship platform, Skild Brain, is designed as a robot-agnostic model capable of controlling a wide range of machines and performing diverse tasks—from household dish handling to navigating stairs. That modularity has attracted strategic partners including LG CNS and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, who see foundational models as the bridge to scalable robotic systems.

Investor Frenzy: AI Robotics Becomes the Next Battleground

The surge in interest surrounding Skild AI mirrors a broader wave sweeping through AI-enabled robotics. Physical Intelligence recently raised $600 million at a $5.6 billion valuation, while humanoid-focused startups have seen valuations reach extraordinary levels. Figure raised over $1 billion at a $39 billion valuation, and 1X is reportedly in talks to secure up to $1 billion at a valuation nearing $10 billion.

The pattern suggests that investor appetite is shifting from narrow AI products toward large-scale platforms capable of powering entire robotics ecosystems. Nvidia, already the backbone supplier for AI computing globally, and SoftBank, aggressively investing in data and automation infrastructure, see robotics as the next monumental computing platform — with foundational models at its core.

A Pivotal Shift in the Robotics Market Structure

Skild AI’s robot-agnostic strategy positions it differently from humanoid competitors relying on proprietary hardware. If successful, its software layer could become a universal operating system for robotics, analogous to what Android became for mobile devices. That promise — the ability to scale horizontally without the constraints and costs of manufacturing — is a key reason the company’s valuation may be rising so rapidly.

However, early-stage risks remain. Even investors who passed on funding other robotics AI companies caution that many foundation models still lack the maturity required for immediate commercialization. Training robots to perform complex physical tasks safely and reliably remains one of the most difficult challenges in AI.

Looking Ahead: Will Robotics Become the Next AI Supersector?

If SoftBank and Nvidia finalize the investment, Skild AI could become a central player in defining the competitive structure of the robotics market. The coming years will test whether foundation models can transition from impressive demos to scalable deployments in manufacturing, logistics, consumer services and beyond. For investors, the sector presents both extraordinary upside and substantial technical risk — a dynamic likely to shape capital flows into 2026 and beyond.