Figure Unveils New Humanoid Robot Leveraging OpenAI for Natural Speech

Figure has unveiled its latest humanoid robot, the Figure 02, succeeding the Figure 01 robot introduced in 2023. An initial teaser video, reminiscent of consumer electronics product promotions, showcases the robot’s capabilities. Another video released Tuesday on Techcrunch features the robot's slow, bent-leg gait across a demo area within Figure’s offices. Two additional robots appear in the background, transporting totes — a common initial application for many humanoid robots.

Partnership with OpenAI

The most significant upgrade in Figure 02 comes from a longstanding partnership with OpenAI. This collaboration helped Figure secure a $675 million Series B funding round in February, valuing the South Bay firm at $2.6 billion. The integration of neural networks, particularly for natural language processing, has become increasingly attractive for the robotics industry, especially for humanoid robots designed to work alongside human colleagues in industrial settings.

Enhancing Human-Robot Interaction

Figure 02 is equipped with speakers and microphones, enabling it to communicate with people at work. Models like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are renowned for their natural language capabilities, which enhance smart assistants and chatbots. Incorporating these capabilities into humanoid robots allows for clearer instructions from humans and greater transparency regarding the robot’s actions.

Safety and Communication

Effective communication is crucial for humanoid robots, which are designed to operate without safety cages. Despite their human-like appearance, these robots are large, heavy, and potentially dangerous. Speech, combined with vision and proximity sensors, serves as a vital safety tool. This ensures that humans can interact safely with the robots, understanding their actions and intentions.

Industry-Wide Developments

Figure is not alone in integrating AI for improved human-robot communication. Agility Robotics, Google’s former Everyday Robots team, and Elon Musk’s Grok AI and Optimus projects are all exploring similar technologies. OpenAI has also invested in Norwegian firm 1X, although Figure has gained more industry buzz in recent months. Its Series B round included notable tech investors like Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, and Intel Capital.

Pilot Programs and Future Applications

Figure has initiated pilot programs with BMW, debuting a video in June showing an earlier, tethered version of the robot performing tasks autonomously with the aid of neural networks. The Figure 02 robot has visited BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina facility for training and data collection. These partnerships are in early stages, with similar pilots announced by Agility, Apptronik, and Sanctuary AI. Boston Dynamics-owner Hyundai is also focused on deploying humanoids in its factories.

Advanced Features of Figure 02

The Figure 02 represents a “ground-up hardware and software redesign” from its predecessor. It features six RGB cameras, an onboard visual language model, improved CPU/GPU computing, and enhanced hands with 16 degrees of freedom. Human-inspired hands have been a topic of debate in the humanoid robot world, balancing nimbleness and dexterity against delicacy and over-engineering. Figure remains committed to using human-like hands for its robots.

Future Prospects

While there is no timeline for a wider rollout of Figure 02, the company hints at broader applications beyond the warehouse and factory floor. “Figure’s robot combines the dexterity of the human form with advanced AI to perform a wide range of tasks across commercial applications and, in the near future, the home,” the company writes. This suggests a vision for humanoid robots to assist in various environments, potentially extending into domestic settings.