Today, Figure AI introduced its second-generation humanoid robot, Figure 02, in which "every element" of its predecessor, Figure 01, has been improved. The company stated that it had to completely "redesign" its robot to withstand a long cycle of rigorous production testing. Figure AI is steadily moving towards its previously set goal of selling humanoid robots to industrial customers.
The most obvious change compared to its predecessor is the appearance of the second-generation robot. The matte black finish of the robot’s surface and the complete absence of external cables, test harnesses, and sensors are immediately noticeable. Unlike Figure 01, the new robot looks like a finished product ready for mass production use.
According to Figure AI, the battery capacity of the new robot is 50% greater than that of Figure 01, allowing it to function longer in real-world conditions. The battery is integrated into the robot’s torso near the center of mass, making it more stable and maneuverable. Specially designed motors for the robot are integrated with the robot's joint drive chains to optimize power and performance.
Figure 02 has three times the computing power with AI support, enabling the robot to perform tasks in the real world fully autonomously. The partnership with OpenAI allowed for rapid training of the robot to interact with humans using voice commands via 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 paid great attention to the development of manipulators. The latest version has 16 degrees of freedom and can carry up to 25 kg. The robot's "hand" resembles a human hand, with four fingers and an opposable thumb. Figure AI aimed to achieve the full functionality of a human hand in the manipulator. Each finger is powered by an integrated sensor and motor unit. The new wrist design provides a range of motion similar to that of its human counterpart.
To date, Figure AI has raised $675 million in funding and entered into a partnership agreement with OpenAI. The company received the RBR50 Innovation Award 2024 for its accelerated development pace in robotics in 2023. Investors highly appreciate the potential of humanoid robots in industry and warehouse logistics amid a labor shortage in these areas.
Earlier this year, Figure deployed its robot at a BMW plant in South Carolina for testing and data collection to train its AI model. The company successfully demonstrated the operability and learnability of its system in an industrial environment.
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