SunBrief#46: Meet R1: Ant’s First Humanoid Robot

OpenAI and Microsoft chart their next phase of collaboration, with the FTC investigating AI chatbot risks for children

September 14, 2025

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Welcome to the SunBrief

Today in SunBrief 🌞

  • Your Exclusive Invite for the World’s first 2 day AI Challenge (usually $895, but $0 today)

  • Robbyant R1: Ant Group’s Leap into Humanoid Robotics

  • FTC Probes Child Safety Risks in AI Chatbots

  • Stock Updates

  • OpenAI and Microsoft Outline Next Phase of AI Partnership

  • AI Highlights of the Week

  • Too Important to Miss

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Robbyant R1: Ant Group’s Leap into Humanoid Robotics

Ant Group Unveils First Humanoid Robot “Robbyant R1”

Chinese tech giant Ant Group, owner of Alipay, has showcased its first humanoid robot, Robbyant R1, signaling its entry into AI-powered robotics.

Key Points:

  • Public Demos: R1 was demonstrated cooking shrimp at IFA 2025 in Berlin and appeared at the 2025 Inclusion Conference in Shanghai.

  • Potential Use Cases: The robot could serve as a companion or caregiver in healthcare, a robotic tour guide in travel, or assist in hospitality and other service industries.

  • Testing Phase: Ant Group has not announced a launch date or pricing; the robot is reportedly being trialed in community centers and restaurants.

  • Performance Reality: Demonstrations suggest R1’s current capabilities are limited, performing simple tasks slowly and under controlled conditions.

Why It Matters:
Ant Group’s Robbyant R1 blends AI with robotics, showing big tech’s push into humanoid robots. While still limited in real-world use, it hints at future industry shifts from healthcare to hospitality.

Are you excited or concerned about big tech entering humanoid robotics?

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FTC Probes Child Safety Risks in AI Chatbots

FTC Launches Investigation into AI Chatbots and Children’s Safety

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is examining how major chatbot makers monitor and protect children and teenagers from potential harm.

Key Points:

  • Scope of Inquiry: The FTC is reviewing AI chatbots from Alphabet (Google), Character Technologies, Instagram, Meta Platforms, OpenAI, Snap, and Elon Musk’s X.AI Corp.

  • Focus Areas: The investigation will assess how companies test, monitor, and safeguard young users, especially from emotional manipulation or unhealthy attachment to AI.

  • Risks Highlighted: Advanced chatbots can simulate human-like conversations and emotions, potentially creating trust or dependence in minors.

  • FTC Statement: Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson emphasized balancing child safety with maintaining U.S. leadership in AI innovation.

Why It Matters:
Regulators are examining how AI affects minors, a move that could define safety standards, corporate accountability, and parental controls across the industry.

Should children be allowed to use AI chatbots at all?

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Stock Updates

OpenAI and Microsoft Outline Next Phase of AI Partnership

Microsoft and OpenAI Sign New Memorandum for “Next Phase” of Partnership

Microsoft and OpenAI have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to define the next phase of their collaboration, while final terms are still being negotiated.

Key Points:

  • Future Partnership: The agreement covers sharing technology and revenue from AI innovations, with specifics yet to be finalized.

  • AGI Clause Update: The deal reportedly adjusts the original clause that prevented Microsoft from accessing OpenAI’s most powerful models if the board determined they had reached human-like AGI.

  • Public Benefit Corporation: The update clears a path for OpenAI to become a public benefit corporation, enabling a potential IPO while balancing societal impact.

  • Microsoft Investment: Microsoft, which has invested over $13 billion in OpenAI, retains rights to 49% of future profits from OpenAI’s for-profit activities.

Why It Matters:
OpenAI and Microsoft’s deal strengthens their partnership, balances profit with oversight, and paves the way for OpenAI to become a public benefit corporation.

Does Microsoft’s $13B+ investment give it too much power over OpenAI’s future?

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AI Highlights of the Week

  • OpenAI Launches 'Grove' for Early AI Founders

    OpenAI’s new Grove program supports pre-seed AI entrepreneurs with mentorship, early tools, and workshops. The 5-week program starts Oct. 20, with 15 spots and applications open until Sept. 24.

    It comes amid a surge in AI funding, with startups raising $104.3B in early 2025.

  • Amazon Joins AR Race with "Jayhawk" Smart Glasses

    Amazon is launching AR glasses called "Jayhawk" by 2026–2027, featuring a camera, microphones, speakers, and a color display. A version for delivery drivers with navigation features may arrive by mid-2026.

    This move puts Amazon in direct competition with Meta, which is expanding its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses lineup.

  • Apple’s AI Siri Delayed, Exec Robby Walker to Exit

    Apple’s revamped AI Siri is delayed to 2026, with key exec Robby Walker set to leave in October. He had shifted to the "Answers" AI search project, still set for 2026.

    Siri is now led by Mike Rockwell, and Apple may use Google’s Gemini AI to power it.

  • YouTube Launches Multi-Language Audio and Thumbnails to Reach Global Viewers

    YouTube now lets creators add dubbed audio in multiple languages using AI-powered tools, boosting global reach. Early users like Jamie Oliver saw a 3x view increase.

    YouTube is also testing localized thumbnails to better engage international audiences.

Too Important to Miss

Last Week’s Poll Result

  • Could OpenAI’s new jobs platform seriously compete with LinkedIn?

    Yes, 46.43%, Possibly, 46.43%, No, 7.14%.

  • Should AI platforms like Google Gemini have separate, fully age-appropriate versions for kids?

    Absolutely 63.64%, Somewhat, 27.27%. No, 9,09%.

  • Do you think Gemini will make Siri significantly better?

    Yes, 33.33%, No, 33.33%. Maybe, 33.33%.

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