Figure AI, a California-based robotics company, is making strides in developing practical, AI-powered humanoid robots. Unlike robots designed for flashy stunts, Figure’s robots prioritize speed, reliability, and task completion.
A recent video shared by Figure on X showcases the “learned, natural walking” ability of their latest humanoid robot, 02. This demonstrates significant improvement over the earlier 01 model, which exhibited a less natural, waddling gait. The 02 robot’s more relaxed stride and quicker movements are crucial for its intended deployment in workplaces and homes.
Figure anticipates significant progress in 2024, including the commencement of production manufacturing, scaling up robots at commercial customer sites, and initiating home deployments. CEO Brett Adcock recently revealed that the AI model powering the robot, Helix, is advancing faster than predicted, accelerating the timeline for home testing to begin this year.
The 02 robot stands at 5 foot 6 inches (168 centimeters), weighs 154 pounds (70 kilograms), and can operate for approximately five hours on a single charge. It has already undergone a trial deployment at a BMW facility in South Carolina, where it assisted with placing sheet metal parts into fixtures for vehicle chassis assembly.
Figure’s long-term vision is to create general-purpose humanoids that positively impact humanity and improve future generations’ lives. The company believes its AI-powered robots can eliminate dangerous and undesirable jobs, ultimately leading to more fulfilling lives for people.
Figure AI’s focus on practicality sets them apart in the robotics field. By concentrating on real-world applications and continuous improvement, they aim to bring humanoid robots into our everyday lives sooner than expected. This year marks a pivotal moment for the company as they transition from research and development to real-world implementation and prepare to introduce their robots into homes. This shift represents a major step forward in the evolution of humanoid robotics and its potential to transform various aspects of our lives.
