Figure, a pioneering robotics company, has unveiled its latest humanoid robot, the Figure 02. As its name implies, this new model is the successor to the Figure 01, which made its debut in 2023. The initial teaser video for Figure 02 evokes the sleek presentations typical of consumer electronics, showcasing the robot’s impressive design rather than offering a raw demo of its capabilities.
In a subsequent video released on Tuesday, the Figure 02 is seen moving with a cautious, bent-leg gait across a demo area set up in the middle of Figure’s offices. The footage also features two additional robots in the background, transporting totes—highlighting one of the primary applications envisioned for these humanoid machines.
A significant highlight of Figure 02 is its enhanced communication abilities, courtesy of a long-standing partnership with OpenAI. This collaboration was instrumental in helping Figure secure a $675 million Series B funding round in February, raising the company’s valuation to $2.6 billion.
The surge in interest around neural networks has proven particularly alluring for the robotics sector. Humanoid robots, like the Figure 02, aim to integrate seamlessly alongside human colleagues on factory floors, provided that proper safety measures are implemented. Equipped with advanced speakers and microphones, the Figure 02 can engage in natural speech conversations, facilitating smoother human-robot interactions.
This integration of models such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini into robots is a strategic move. These models excel in natural language processing, making them invaluable for instructing robots and providing transparency about their actions. Effective communication is crucial, especially for humanoid robots designed to operate outside traditional safety cages. Despite their human-like appearance, these robots are still large, heavy, and potentially hazardous. When combined with vision and proximity sensors, speech capabilities enhance safety by enabling better human oversight.
Figure is not alone in this innovative work. Agility Robotics showcased its efforts to leverage generative AI for enhanced human-robot communication late last year. Google’s Everyday Robots team also emphasized neural network applications before its project was discontinued. Additionally, Elon Musk’s ventures, Grok AI and Optimus, are expected to converge on similar goals.
OpenAI has strategically invested in the humanoid robotics space, backing Norwegian firm 1X before its involvement with Figure. Over the past year, Figure has gained significant traction in the industry. The Series B round also attracted investment from tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, and Intel Capital.
Figure has initiated pilot programs with BMW. A video released in June featured an earlier version of the Figure robot performing tasks autonomously on a factory floor, guided by neural networks. The Figure 02 has already visited BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina facility for training and data collection, marking the early stages of these promising partnerships. Other robotics companies, such as Agility, Apptronik, and Sanctuary AI, have also announced similar collaborations with automotive manufacturers. Tesla has been focusing on integrating humanoid robots, and Boston Dynamics-owner Hyundai envisions using them in its factories.
Figure 02 represents a comprehensive hardware and software redesign from its predecessor. This includes six RGB cameras paired with an onboard visual language model, enhanced CPU/GPU computing, and improved hands featuring 16 degrees of freedom. The design of robot hands remains a hotly debated topic in the humanoid robotics world. While there is appreciation for the dexterity and nimbleness of human-like hands, they are sometimes criticized for being overly delicate and complex. Figure has committed to using human-like hands, emphasizing their importance as end effectors in their system.
Although there is no specific timeline for a wider rollout of the Figure 02, the company is hinting at ambitious future applications beyond the warehouse and factory settings. “Figure’s robot combines the dexterity of the human form with advanced AI to perform a wide range of tasks across commercial applications and, in the near future, the home,” the company states.
Figure 02 is poised to transform human-robot interaction with its advanced AI-driven communication capabilities, heralding a new era of smart, versatile humanoid robots.
