Figure’s Figure 02: A Next-Gen Humanoid Robot Partnering with OpenAI for Natural Conversations

Figure has launched its latest humanoid robot, the Figure 02, a successor to the Figure 01 unveiled in 2023. The new robot comes equipped with speakers and microphones, allowing it to communicate naturally with people in the workplace. The Figure 02, designed through a longstanding collaboration with OpenAI, marks a significant advancement in integrating AI technology into robotics. This partnership also helped Figure secure a $675 million Series B funding round, increasing its valuation to $2.6 billion.

The Figure 02 robot is demonstrated in a video showcasing its capabilities and design. The video highlights the robot’s slow, bent-leg gait as it moves across a demo area. The background features two other robots carting totes — a common application for humanoid robots. The integration of OpenAI’s advanced natural language processing models, such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, enhances the robot's communication skills, making it easier for humans to instruct robots and increasing transparency in the robot's operations.

The use of humanoid robots in industrial settings has gained traction due to their ability to work alongside human colleagues on factory floors, provided adequate safety measures are in place. Figure 02’s inclusion of speech and auditory capabilities is critical, as it allows the robot to navigate and operate safely without the confines of a safety cage. This feature is complemented by the integration of vision and proximity sensors, which further enhance the robot’s safety protocols.

Figure is not alone in leveraging AI for improved human-robot communication. Competitors such as Agility and Elon Musk’s projects, Grok AI and Optimus, are also harnessing generative AI to advance human-robot interactions. OpenAI has diversified its investments in this sector, including previous backing of the Norwegian firm 1X, highlighting the growing interest and buzz around humanoid robots in the technology industry.

Figure 02 has started pilot programs with BMW, indicating the early stages of these industrial partnerships. The company released a video in June showing an earlier version of the robot autonomously performing tasks on the factory floor with the aid of neural networks. The 02 robot has visited BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, facility for training and data collection, pointing towards a future where humanoid robots play a significant role in automotive manufacturing.

The upgrades from Figure 01 to Figure 02 involve a comprehensive redesign of both hardware and software components. These include six RGB cameras coupled with an onboard visual language model, improved CPU/GPU computing powers, and enhanced hands with 16 degrees of freedom. The hand design has been a focal point in humanoid robotics, balancing between the dexterity of human-like hands and the robustness required for industrial tasks.

Although no official timeline for the Figure 02 rollout has been announced, the company envisions its application expanding beyond factory floors into commercial and possibly residential settings. This broader application potential emphasizes the adaptability and broad utility of humanoid robots powered by advanced AI. Figure’s ongoing innovation illustrates a future trajectory where robots are integral in diverse environments.