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Figure AI just dropped their latest creation: the Figure 02. This humanoid robot is now capable of having speech-to-speech conversations with actual people—because, apparently, that's what a functional robot must do. 

The invention is a step up from their earlier model, Figure 01, which  which set the groundwork for robots that do more than just look busy.

Figure 02 Physical Build

The physical buid of the humanoid robot features built-in microphones, speakers, six onboard RGB cameras and a vision language model that reason visually while analyzing and navigating the surrounding autonomously. 

The robot is equipped with 10 fingers, each with 16 degrees of freedom, closely mimicking the dexterity of a human hand. It also boasts an impressive carrying capacity of up to 25 kg. Figure AI is confidently branding this as the “world’s most advanced AI hardware,” and given the specs, it's tough to argue otherwise. The integration of OpenAI models further enhances its natural language reasoning, making it not just strong, but smart—like the brain and brawn of the robot world.

Humanoid robots have been the stuff of sci-fi dreams, from Alien's creepy androids to Iron Man’s chatty suit and the unstoppable Terminator. But until recently, these intelligent, autonomous bots were more fantasy than reality. Fast forward to now,  trailblazers like Hanson Robotics, Boston Dynamics, Tesla, and Figure are making strides in AI-powered robotics can blend brains and brawn. The latest breakthrough being Figure 02, a robot that not only gets what you're saying but can also move like it’s been secretly watching your morning jogs.

Imagine if ChatGPT had a voice and could also pick up your laundry—well, that's Figure 02 for you. Sure, it can answer questions and move stuff around, but don't expect it to ponder life's great mysteries or shed a tear over a sad movie. It's still a robot, not your deep-thinking, super-emotional BFF.

BMW partnered with Figure 02 to test humanoid robots in automating the manufacturing process

So, what's the point of a humanoid robot like the Figure 02? Well, its main gig could be automating manufacturing processes. For instance, BMW already entered into a partnership with Figure to experiment whether humanoid robots can fast-tract the production process. 

In an official press release, Milan Nedeljkovic, a member of the board of management for production at BMW AG, stated that the company is currently conducting early test operations to explore potential applications for humanoid robots in production, with the aim of guiding this technology from development to industrialization.

In the trial, Figure 02 has been putting sheet metal parts into fixtures for chassis assembly. BMW isn't spilling many details, but they do boast that this bot can handle “human-like” two-handed tasks with millimeter precision. The release also mentions that Figure 02's agility makes it perfect for jobs that are too tough, unsafe, or monotonous for humans—basically, the jobs we all secretly wish we could avoid.

Final Take

The AI and robotics market is experiencing exponential growth, projected to expand from $6.9 billion in 2021 to $35.3 billion by 2026. This rapid expansion is driven by advancements in AI technology and increasing adoption across diverse industries.

Figure has emerged as a leading contender in the robotics space, particularly following the release of Figure 02. The integration of language models from OpenAI, the industry-leading AI startup, positions Figure competitively. 

More: Tesla's Optimus Gen 2: From Skepticism to Promise

The company's substantial funding of $675 million and strategic partnerships with industry giants such as OpenAI, Microsoft, and BMW underscore its market position and capacity for innovation.

Tesla's Optimus presents a formidable competitor, leveraging the company's brand recognition and extensive resources. While demonstrating human-like capabilities, the robot's market penetration and long-term competitive advantage remain to be determined.

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