Figure AI Launches Safety Center for Humanoid Robots in Workplaces

As major corporations like Amazon, Mercedes, and BMW accelerate their adoption of humanoid robots in warehouses and factories, concerns about worker safety have often taken a backseat to industry hype. Figure AI, a Bay Area robotics company, aims to change that.

Figure AI announced the launch of the Center for the Advancement of Humanoid Safety, a division dedicated to ensuring the safe integration of humanoid robots in workplaces. The initiative will be led by Rob Gruendel, a former Amazon Robotics safety engineer, who shared the announcement on LinkedIn.

Addressing Safety Challenges in Humanoid Robotics

Unlike traditional factory robots that were kept in protective cages, humanoid robots are designed to work freely alongside humans. While this adaptability is a major advantage, their large metal bodies pose new safety risks, including potential collisions with human workers.

Current workplace safety measures include:

• Caged robots (used in earlier automation systems).

• Computer vision software (developed by companies like Veo Robotics).

• Wearable safety gear (such as Amazon’s protective vests for workers).

However, despite these advancements, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) currently has no specific regulations for the robotics industry, leaving companies to develop their own safety protocols.

Figure AI’s Approach to Robot Safety

To fill this regulatory gap, Figure AI is taking proactive steps to ensure its humanoid robots meet industrial safety standards. The company has partnered with an OSHA-recognized independent testing lab to certify its robots' batteries, functional safety control systems, and electrical systems.

“One of our recent successes was to finalize a formal plan with our OSHA recognized independent testing laboratory to certify our robot’s battery, functional safety control system, and electrical system to industrial standards,” Gruendel noted in the announcement post.

Key focus areas for testing include:

• Stability while stationary and in motion

• Detection of humans and four-legged pets

• Safe AI behavior and navigation to prevent injury

"We recognize that the general population is often at the mercy of technology experts to judge whether an AI-controlled robot can be safe," said Gruendel. "We want to speak directly with our customers. We will listen to suggestions from our customers on ways to test the safety of Figure 02 and beyond."

Ongoing Transparency & Future Implications

To increase accountability, Figure AI will publish quarterly safety reports, detailing testing procedures, successes, failures, and solutions for identified hazards.

This initiative comes amid growing calls for stricter humanoid robot safety standards, particularly as companies explore bringing robots beyond industrial settings and into homes.

What This Means

As humanoid robots become more prevalent, their ability to coexist safely with human workers is critical. Figure AI’s safety initiative could set a precedent for the industry, influencing both corporate best practices and future government regulations. By prioritizing transparency and rigorous safety testing, Figure AI is taking a crucial step toward responsible AI-driven automation.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.