California-based robotics firm Figure AI has announced the release of Figure 02 (F.02) , its latest general-purpose humanoid robot.
The company’s first humanoid, Figure 01, was unveiled in October 2023.
F.02 features significant upgrades, according to its developers, particularly in AI and neural network technology.
The new model is equipped with six RGB cameras that provide input to its AI-driven vision system, helping it interpret the physical environment.
Two of these cameras are embedded in its animated, curved-panel face, while the others are positioned around its body. Additionally, the robot boasts a threefold increase in computational power and AI inference capabilities compared to its predecessor, Gen1, enabling it to perform real-world AI tasks entirely autonomously.
The robot also incorporates advancements in “speech-to-speech reasoning,” enabling more natural and effective communication with humans.
This development stems from a collaborative effort between Figure AI and OpenAI, supported by major investors such as Microsoft and NVIDIA. The partnership has focused on integrating OpenAI’s sophisticated AI models with Figure’s humanoid hardware and software.
The design of Figure 02 has also seen notable improvements. The new model sports a sleek matte black finish, replacing the silver exterior of its predecessor, Figure 01. Additionally, the robot’s cables are now concealed within its “skin,” enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Standing 5’6″ and weighing 70 kg, Figure 02 can reportedly carry a payload of 20kg and move at a speed of 1.2 metres per second.
The bot operates on an electric system with a runtime of five hours. Its hands have been redesigned to include four fingers and a thumb, offering 16 degrees of freedom in movement and rotation, closely mimicking human dexterity.
Founded in 2022 by Brett Adcock, also the founder of Archer Aviation and Vettery, Figure AI emerged from stealth mode in March 2023 and secured a US$70m (£55m) Series A round.
This announcement follows a successful US$675m (£528m) Series B funding round earlier this year, which brought the company’s valuation to US$2.6bn (£2.04bn).
