Humanoid robotics startup Figure is in advanced talks to raise $1.5 billion in funding, led by Align Ventures and Parkway VC, which would value the company at $40 billion. This marks a significant increase from its $2.6 billion valuation in February 2024, reflecting rapid growth in the humanoid robotics sector. The company focuses on developing humanoid robots with potential applications in household tasks. Meanwhile, Meta is intensifying its efforts in the humanoid robotics race by forming a new division within its Reality Labs. The division aims to develop AI-driven software, sensors, and systems to support robotics manufacturers. Meta's robotics initiative is led by Marc Whitten, a former executive at GM’s Cruise, and is set to hire around 100 engineers this year. The company is positioning itself as a platform provider, akin to Google's Android OS, rather than directly manufacturing robots. Meta's efforts leverage its Llama AI model to accelerate development. The humanoid robotics market is becoming increasingly competitive, with players like Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and Google also making strides in the field.