Figure Unveils Revolutionary Humanoid Robot Empowered by OpenAI Technology for Seamless Natural Speech Interactions

Table of Contents

Introduction

In a significant breakthrough, Figure has unveiled its latest humanoid robot, the Figure 02, succeeding the Figure 01 robot introduced in 2023. This latest iteration boasts an impressive upgrade thanks to a longstanding partnership with OpenAI.

Figure 02: A Ground-Up Redesign

The Figure 02 represents a ‘ground-up hardware and software redesign’ from its predecessor. This significant overhaul has led to several key upgrades, including:

Six RGB cameras
An onboard visual language model
Improved CPU/GPU computing capabilities
Enhanced hands with 16 degrees of freedom

Partnership with OpenAI

Figure’s partnership with OpenAI has been instrumental in the development of the Figure 02. This collaboration helped 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

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

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. Other notable companies exploring similar technologies include:

Agility Robotics
Google’s former Everyday Robots team
Elon Musk’s Grok AI and Optimus projects
OpenAI’s investment in Norwegian firm 1X

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 boasts several advanced features, including:

Human-inspired hands with 16 degrees of freedom
Improved CPU/GPU computing capabilities
Onboard visual language model
Six RGB cameras

Human-Inspired Hands: Balancing Nimbleness and Delicacy

Figure remains committed to using human-like hands for its robots. However, this feature has been a topic of debate in the humanoid robot world, balancing nimbleness and dexterity against delicacy and over-engineering.

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.

Conclusion

The Figure 02 represents a significant step forward in the development of humanoid robots. With its advanced features and integration with OpenAI, this robot has the potential to revolutionize human-robot interaction and improve efficiency in industrial settings. As the robotics industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how companies like Figure and others explore new applications for humanoid robots.