Californian startup Figure AI recently announced the launch of the first BotQ production line for mass production of humanoid robots of its own design. The plant’s capacity will be 12,000 robots per year, or about 30 units per day. In the coming years, production volumes will increase significantly, and Figure robots will be delivered to factories and homes to perform routine tasks.
Image source: Figure AI
The third-generation Figure 03 model, powered by the Helix neural network, is reportedly in production. Figure AI quickly developed the first model of its humanoid robot, the Figure 01, which was unveiled in October 2023. A year later, the Figure 02 model was released. The production Figure 03 robot was a rethinking of previous designs: its parts were designed with mass and rapid production in mind. While the first models required weeks of CNC machining, the production version stamps many components at a rate of 20 seconds per part.
The robot from Figure AI is notable for its ability to execute commands even without prior training, relying solely on voice control. The company has previously demonstrated the capabilities of its robotic platform, which are striking in their flexibility. This suggests that Figure AI has every chance of taking a worthy place in the emerging market of humanoid robots.
Figure robots will also be involved in the production of their fellows. This allowed the company to abandon the assembly line, replacing human labor in transporting and sorting parts with robots. In particular, they will test battery cells and assemble them into blocks for new robots.
As the company refines its manufacturing processes, it plans to ramp up production of humanoid machines, reaching 100,000 robots per year within four years. Along with Figure AI, its suppliers will also evolve, creating a mature supply chain for its future products.