What the Figure 02 Humanoid Robot Means for the Future of Industrial AI

The unveiling of Figure’s next-generation humanoid robot, Figure 02, marks a significant leap in autonomous robotic technology, leveraging advanced AI computing power to perform fully autonomous tasks in industrial settings.

Cutting-edge features and capabilities: Figure 02 represents a substantial advancement in humanoid robotics, boasting enhanced AI computing power and sophisticated hardware designed for complex industrial applications.

• The robot incorporates a second NVIDIA RTX GPU-based module, resulting in a threefold increase in inference capabilities compared to its predecessor.
• Figure 02 is equipped with human-scale hands, six RGB cameras, and advanced perception AI models, enabling it to interact more effectively with its environment.
• The humanoid robot’s design allows for fully autonomous task execution, a crucial feature for its intended use in industrial settings.

Rapid development and industry partnerships: Figure’s accelerated development process and strategic collaborations have played a pivotal role in bringing Figure 02 to fruition in a remarkably short timeframe.

• The company achieved this rapid progress by utilizing NVIDIA Isaac Sim for design, training, and testing with synthetic data, significantly streamlining the development cycle.
• Figure has partnered with OpenAI to develop custom AI models trained on NVIDIA H100 GPUs, further enhancing the robot’s cognitive abilities.
• A recent successful test of Figure 02 at BMW Group’s Spartanburg, South Carolina production line demonstrates its potential for real-world industrial applications.

Addressing labor shortages: Figure’s primary objective in commercializing industrial humanoid robots is to provide a solution to the growing labor shortages faced by many industries.

• By developing autonomous humanoid robots capable of performing complex tasks, Figure aims to fill gaps in the workforce, particularly in sectors struggling to find human labor.
• The versatility and advanced capabilities of Figure 02 make it a promising candidate for deployment across various industrial settings, potentially revolutionizing workforce dynamics.

Financial backing and industry support: Figure’s innovative approach has garnered substantial financial support and recognition from major players in the tech industry.

• The company recently secured $675 million in funding, with NVIDIA among the investors, highlighting the industry’s confidence in Figure’s vision and technology.
• Figure’s inclusion in the new NVIDIA Humanoid Robot Developer Program further solidifies its position at the forefront of humanoid robotics development.

Technological foundation: The Figure 02 robot’s impressive capabilities are built upon a robust technological foundation, leveraging cutting-edge AI and simulation technologies.

• NVIDIA Omniverse and NVIDIA GPUs form the core of Figure 02’s computing infrastructure, enabling its advanced autonomous capabilities.
• The use of NVIDIA Isaac Sim for development has allowed Figure to rapidly iterate and improve their designs using synthetic data, accelerating the overall development process.

Implications for the future of robotics: The unveiling of Figure 02 raises important questions about the future trajectory of humanoid robotics and its potential impact on various industries.

• As these robots become more advanced and capable of performing increasingly complex tasks, it will be crucial to monitor their integration into workplaces and their effects on human employment.
• The rapid pace of development in this field, as demonstrated by Figure’s quick progression from their first humanoid robot to Figure 02 in just 10 months, suggests that we may see even more significant advancements in the near future.
• The collaboration between robotics companies, AI developers, and major industry players like BMW Group indicates a growing acceptance and demand for humanoid robots in industrial settings, potentially signaling a shift in how we approach manufacturing and labor-intensive tasks.