Based in California, the Figure startup specializes in the design of intelligent humanoid robots. His first project, called Figure 01, in alpha version, is currently in the test phase. Measuring 1.70 m for 60 kg, it supports a payload of up to 20 kg, has a battery life of 5 hours and can move at 1.2 m/s, or just over 4 km/h. It also has fingers, not pincers, to manipulate objects with increased precision.
The idea is to create a humanoid robot that can work and help humans produce more, address labor shortages, and even reduce the number of workers in dangerous jobs. In the end, Figure 01 will combine the dexterity of the human form with artificial intelligence, in order to adapt to different tasks, for always optimal efficiency. Eventually, the Figure 01 has the ambition to become the first commercially viable autonomous humanoid robot in the world, that is to say also financially accessible.
Other companies like Tesla and Boston Dynamics are working on humanoid robot projects. Known for its famous dog robot Spot, Boston Dynamics is also developing Atlas, a humanoid model capable of lifting, handling and moving heavy loads, like a worker in the flesh. For its part, Xiaomi is working on the CyberOne, a robot able to perceive space in 3D but also to recognize individuals as well as their gestures, their expressions and their emotions. Combined with an artificial intelligence, it could directly interact with them.
Finally, Tesla is working on its own humanoid robot project, codenamed Optimus. Elon Musk presented two prototypes at Tesla AI Day, an event that aims to demonstrate Tesla’s advances in artificial intelligence.