From factory floor to your front door?
California-based robotics firm Figure has unveiled its latest marvel: Figure 02, a second-generation humanoid robot touted as “the highest performing humanoid robot to market.”
This latest iteration boasts a complete hardware and software overhaul, marrying human-like dexterity with sophisticated AI to tackle a spectrum of tasks across commercial and, eventually, domestic settings.
Figure’s team of engineers and designers focused on enhancing critical technologies to bring Figure 02 to life. This includes significant advancements in AI, computer vision, battery technology, electronics, sensors, and actuators.
Some of Figure 02’s key features:
- Speech-to-Speech interaction: Figure 02 engages in natural conversations thanks to onboard microphones and speakers linked to bespoke AI models developed in conjunction with OpenAI.
- Onboard VLM: A built-in vision language model empowers Figure 02 with rapid visual reasoning capabilities, allowing it to quickly interpret its surroundings through its camera system.
- Power up: A custom 2.25 KWh battery pack nestled within its torso provides over 50% more energy than its predecessor, significantly extending operational time.
- Streamlined design: Integrated cabling for power and data ensures a sleek aesthetic, enhanced reliability, and a more compact internal layout.
- Eyes on the world: Figure 02 perceives its environment through an AI-powered vision system comprising six onboard RGB cameras.
- Dexterity redefined: The robot’s fourth-generation hands, boasting 16 degrees of freedom and strength comparable to a human, unlock an expansive repertoire of human-like manipulation tasks.
- Computational powerhouse: With triple the onboard computation and AI inference capabilities of its predecessor, Figure 02 can autonomously execute complex, real-world AI tasks.
Figure 02 recently flexed its newfound capabilities at BMW Manufacturing, where it was deployed for AI data collection and use case training.
This partnership with BMW is just one feather in Figure’s cap. Since its inception in 2022, the company has secured a $675 million Series B funding round and inked a collaboration agreement with OpenAI.
Figure envisions a future where robots not only bolster productivity and efficiency but also enrich our lives. With the advanced capabilities embodied in Figure 02, the company takes a giant leap towards realising this ambitious goal.
See also: NVIDIA unveils services to accelerate humanoid robot development
Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, IoT Tech Expo, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.
Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.