[Former OpenAI Executive Bets on Manufacturing Automation, Raises $70 Million for AI Startup Arda] According to a report by Jinse Finance citing The Wall Street Journal, former OpenAI Chief Scientist Bob McCool is raising $70 million for a new artificial intelligence and software platform startup aimed at achieving manufacturing automation. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the new company, named Arda, was co-founded by McCool and is currently raising funds at a valuation of $700 million. Founders Fund and Accel are co-leading this funding round, with participation from Khosla Ventures and XYZ Venture Capital. The current round of funding for the company is not yet complete, and the terms of the deal may still change. Sources stated that Arda is developing an AI and software platform, including a video model capable of analyzing factory floor footage and using this data to train robots to autonomously operate factories. The company's software will coordinate machines and humans throughout the entire production process, covering everything from product design and manufacturability to the final product rollout. The goal is to make manufacturing in the Western Hemisphere cost-effective.