Exciting news has emerged on October 9th: the California-based start-up Figure AI has unveiled Figure 03, its third-generation humanoid robot. Primarily designed for domestic use, this android was showcased in a new video demonstrating a variety of household tasks. A complete overhaul from the previous model, Figure 03 marks a significant milestone for the company, aiming to manufacture up to 100,000 units within the next four years. The integration of robotics into our daily lives seems to be becoming a reality, given the impressive diversity and complexity of tasks Figure 03 appears to be capable of.
In the video shared by Figure AI, the android is seen clearing a table, rinsing plates, loading a dishwasher, running a washing machine, and folding laundry. While other companies like Unitree and Tesla Optimus showcase their robots in more of a performance context, Figure AI’s robots are already setting high standards in terms of household assistance. The company’s goal is to create a versatile robot capable of performing human tasks and learning directly from people.
To achieve this, Figure AI’s engineering and design teams have completely redesigned both the hardware and software of the previous model. The aim was to best adapt Figure 03 for domestic environments and integrate it with Helix, Figure AI’s AI system. In terms of design, Figure 03 has been refined for better indoor mobility: it is 9% lighter with reduced volume to facilitate movement in tight or cluttered spaces. With soft coverings, wireless charging, and improved audio systems, the robot has been designed for seamless interactions with residents.
Emphasizing particularly on safety – crucial for a robot intended to coexist with families – Figure 03 incorporates multi-density foams to reduce pinch risks, replacing exposed metallic parts with padded textiles. The battery has also been enhanced, featuring enhanced durability, multiple protection levels, and UN38.3 certification to prevent potential abuse or malfunctions. Utilizing an induction charging system, this technology also simplifies usage, with coils in the feet enabling the robot to recharge autonomously by docking to a base.
Figure 03 has been designed to excel in daily use: washable and interchangeable textile covers, cut-resistant clothing, and a next-generation audio system contribute to its enhanced functionality. The evolutionary leap lies not only in the aesthetic transformation but also in the synergy between software and hardware engineering. AI integration plays a crucial role in the reliability of humanoids, with Figure 03 designed to enable “real reasoning through Helix” using the “VLA” (vision-language-action) model, which drives the entire system.
The advanced vision system offers higher image capture rates, reduced latency, and an expanded field of view per camera, enabling precise navigation and object manipulation in congested spaces. The robot is equipped with new sensors and hand systems, each featuring a palm camera for visual feedback even in obstructed views, such as while reaching into a cupboard. The adaptive fingers can grasp a variety of objects, surpassing limitations of existing touch sensors, and incorporating a proprietary sensor capable of detecting a minimal pressure of 3 grams.
In a significant departure from previous generations characterized as prototypes, Figure 03 is designed for mass production, with cost reduction being a pivotal criterion. The company anticipates producing 12,000 units annually, with a bold target of 100,000 robots within four years. This mass production drive prompted a redesign of nearly every component, focusing on minimizing parts and implementing industrial processes. However, the pricing remains undisclosed, a key factor for assessing its commercial potential.
Figure AI aims to be at the forefront of deploying humanoid robots on a large scale, exemplified by the ambitious “Project Go-Big.” This initiative seeks to train Helix through real-life scenarios by creating an extensive library of first-person human videos. Figure 03 represents a crucial step for the California-based start-up, transitioning from a lab prototype to a product deemed ready for household use. Lighter, safer, and tailored for mass production, the robot embodies the aspiration for a truly versatile android. The price remains a significant unknown, but if Figure AI fulfills its mass production pledge, it could accelerate the integration of humanoid robotics into daily life, fundamentally transforming how we live and work.
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