Figure AI Inc. has launched its second-generation humanoid robot, Figure 02, which refines every aspect of its predecessor, Figure 01.
This advancement brings the company closer to its goal of selling production humanoids to industrial companies. With the help of OpenAI, it's now more suited for natural speech conversations.
In 2024, Figure AI earned a prestigious RBR50 Innovation Award for its rapid development pace. The Figure 02 robot exemplifies the Sunnyvale, California-based company's relentless innovation and iteration throughout the year.
Significant Improvements in Design and Functionality
Sleeker and More Durable Design
The Figure 02 robot maintains the stature of Figure 01 but features notable enhancements, according to TechCrunch.
The most striking change is the matte black finish, replacing the chrome metal look of Figure 01. This gives Figure 02 a sleek, modern appearance akin to a high-end sports car, in contrast to the armor-like appearance of its predecessor.
Figure AI had initially "over-designed" Figure 01 to withstand rigorous testing. However, the new generation incorporates cabling within the limbs, protecting it from environmental damage and making it suitable for long hours on a production line.
Enhanced Battery Capacity and Mobility
The battery capacity of Figure 02 is 50% greater than that of Figure 01, enabling extended work periods in real-world deployments. Integrated into the robot's torso, the battery also improves the center of mass, enhancing the robot's agility and balance.
Custom Motors and Efficient Cable Routing
Figure AI has developed custom motors to optimize each joint's power and performance. These motors are integrated with the robot's drive trains. The company has also addressed the challenge of routing internal cables through rotary joints, resulting in a clean design for the robot's shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.
Advanced Interaction Capabilities
Figure AI has showcased videos of Figure 02 interacting with humans through voice commands. The company's partnership with OpenAI has facilitated rapid testing and validation of the robot's speech-to-speech capabilities.
Figure 02 boasts three times the computation and AI inference capabilities compared to its predecessor, allowing it to perform tasks autonomously.
Equipped with six RGB cameras, the robot perceives its environment and utilizes an onboard vision language model for fast visual reasoning.
Conversational Abilities
The new model features onboard microphones and speakers, enabling conversation with humans. The AI models, developed in partnership with OpenAI, process imagery for perception, obstacle avoidance, and hand-eye coordination, allowing the robot to identify and manipulate objects.
Innovative Hand Design
Figure AI has invested significantly in designing functional and versatile robot hands. The latest design includes 16 degrees of freedom (DoF) and can carry up to 25 kg (55.1 lb.). The hand mimics human anatomy, featuring four fingers and an opposable thumb, with the goal of manipulating objects as a human hand would.
Each finger is actuated by an integrated unit that includes sensors and motors. The wrist design offers a human-like range of motion while encasing and routing all necessary wiring.
Real-World Testing and Future Prospects
Earlier this year, Figure AI deployed Figure 02 to a BMW plant in South Carolina to test and gather data for AI model training. The successful demonstration of the robot in an industrial environment marks a significant milestone.
Competitors like Agility Robotics' Digit and Apptronik's Apollo have also been deployed for simple tasks at GXO Logistics, with testing by companies like Amazon and Mercedes-Benz.
Tesla and Boston Dynamics have similar visions for their robots, Optimus and Atlas, respectively.
