Faraday Future and FF EAI Robotics Ecosystem launched two humanoid robots on 15 October: the $2,490 FF Nova for developers and schools, and the $299 FF Nova Mini for children. Nova’s first 100 units are invitation-only. The launch follows FFR’s agreement to buy FF’s robotics business in a $200M all-stock deal.
Faraday Future and its sister company, FF EAI Robotics Ecosystem (FFR), have launched two humanoid robots: the $2,490 FF Nova and the $299 FF Nova Mini. The companies announced the robots on 15 October in a joint press release.
The companies call Nova the first embodied AI humanoid robot sold in the US for under $2,500. Embodied AI means AI that controls a physical body, such as a robot. TNW has not independently verified the claim.
Nova is aimed at developers, universities, and schools. It has 20 degrees of freedom, or moving joints, and can walk, wave, and get back up after being knocked over, the companies said. It can also ride a detachable wheeled base.
The robot stands 49.7cm tall and weighs 2.8kg, according to its product page, as reported by Unite.AI. A developer software package costs an extra $390, and Nova supports ROS 2, a widely used robotics software framework.
The companies are also offering a training programme built on Nvidia’s Isaac platform, which lets developers teach robot skills in simulation before testing them on Nova. Nvidia has been courting humanoid robot makers with the same tools.
Nova will roll out in three phases. The first is limited to 100 units for invited developers and schools, with 20 ready to ship now. Wider developer sales and a full consumer launch will follow, though no dates were given.
Nova Mini is designed for children aged eight and up. It weighs under 1kg, can walk, stand up on its own, and do a forward roll, and it supports block-based programming. FF also sells a $499 course of 16 live online classes, and buyers get a voucher towards the robot.
“The launch of FF Nova and FF Nova Mini marks an important step for FFR in bringing Physical AI from the laboratory to real-world applications,” said Jerry Wang, FFR’s chief executive.
The launch comes days after FFR agreed to buy FF’s robotics business in an all-stock deal valuing it at about $200M. FF would own about 65.7% of FFR after closing, which the companies expect by the end of October. FFR was known as AIxCrypto Holdings until 30 September.
FF, best known for its electric cars, started its robotics pivot earlier this year. Its robotics unit had shipped 817 units by the end of September, Investing.com reported.