Figure AI presented a second-generation humanoid robot – it is ready for industrial use

Figure AI today unveiled its second-generation humanoid robot, Figure 02, which “improves on every element” of its predecessor, Figure 01. The company said it had to completely “redesign” its robot to ensure it could withstand a long cycle of rigorous manufacturing testing. Figure AI is steadily moving towards its previously set goal of selling humanoid robots to industrial consumers.

Image source: Figure AI

The most obvious change compared to its predecessor is the appearance of the second generation robot. The first thing that catches your eye is the matte black finish of the robot’s surface and the complete absence of cables, test harnesses and sensors on the outside. Unlike Fugure 01, the new robot looks like a finished product, ready for mass production use.

According to Figure AI, the new robot’s battery capacity is 50% larger than that of Figure 01, which allows it to function longer in real-world conditions. The battery is integrated into the robot’s body near the center of mass, which makes it more stable and maneuverable. Robot-specific motors are integrated with the robot’s joint drive chains to optimize power and performance.

Figure 02 has 3 times more AI-enabled processing power, allowing the robot to perform real-world tasks completely autonomously. A partnership with OpenAI made it possible to quickly train the robot to interact with a person using voice commands through built-in microphones and speakers. The new model is equipped with six color cameras, which the robot uses to perceive its surroundings and identify objects.

Figure AI has paid great attention to the development of manipulators. The latest version has 16 degrees of freedom and is capable of carrying up to 25 kg. The robot’s “hand” is similar to a human’s, with four fingers and an opposable thumb. Figure AI has set its goal to achieve the full functionality of a human hand from its manipulator. Each finger is driven by an integrated sensor and motor unit. The new wrist design provides a range of motion similar to its human counterpart.

To date, Figure AI has managed to attract $675 million in funding and enter into a partnership agreement with OpenAI. The company was awarded the RBR50 Innovation Award 2024 for its accelerated pace of robotics development in 2023. Investors are praising the potential of humanoid robots in manufacturing and warehouse logistics amid labor shortages in those areas.

Earlier this year, Figure deployed its robot to BMW’s South Carolina plant to test and collect data and train an AI model. The company has successfully demonstrated the performance and learnability of its system in an industrial environment. Similarly, Tesla plans to use Optimus robots in its factories, and Boston Dynamics is starting to test the latest version of Atlas at Hyundai industrial facilities.