Summary:
Amazon has hired Covariant's founders and a quarter of their team.
Covariant focuses on AI models for robotic arms used in warehouses.
Joseph Quinlivan highlights the potential of integrating Covariant's tech into Amazon's robots.
This hiring strategy resembles Amazon's previous acquisition of Adept's founders.
Covariant will continue operations under new leadership, targeting various industries.
Amazon has made a significant strategic hire by bringing on board the founders of Covariant — Pieter Abbeel, Peter Chen, and Rocky Duan — along with about 25% of Covariant's team. This move is accompanied by a non-exclusive license for Covariant's robotic foundation models.
What is Covariant?
Earlier this year, Peter Chen revealed that Covariant is developing AI models specifically for robots, with a focus on robotic arms that perform essential warehouse tasks, such as bin picking.
Amazon's Vision
Joseph Quinlivan, VP of Amazon Fulfillment Technologies & Robotics, stated that this collaboration aims to leverage Covariant’s expertise to enhance AI and robotics integration within Amazon's operations. He emphasized that embedding Covariant's technology into Amazon's existing robot fleet will significantly improve their performance and deliver real-world value to customers.
A Trend in Tech Hiring
This deal mirrors Amazon's earlier hiring of the founders from AI startup Adept, showcasing a trend of reverse acquihires. This strategy allows tech giants to acquire talent and technology while navigating antitrust scrutiny without full acquisitions.
Future of Covariant
Despite the changes, Covariant will continue to operate under new leadership, with Ted Stinson stepping up as CEO. The company is committed to delivering its Covariant Brain technology across various industries, including apparel, health and beauty, grocery, and pharmaceuticals.
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