Robotics Startup Figure Unveils a "Feature-Complete Electromechanical Humanoid" Assistant, Figure 01

Robotics startup Figure says it is preparing to launch "the world's first commercially-viable autonomous humanoid robot," a futuristic-looking automaton standing at 5'6" tall: the Figure 01.

"I believe that positively affecting the future of humanity is the moral priority of our time. The most meaningful impact can come from dedicating our resources to developing technologies," says Brett Adcock, founder and chief executive officer, of Figure's vision. "In the coming age we will see great advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, and by contributing in the early stages, we can set the course for a positive AI future for humanity."

Figure's contribution: a "feature-complete electromechanical humanoid" it calls the Figure 01, which will be capable of human-like manipulation and that will assist — if not supplant — human workers in a range of fields, including taking over tasks considered too dangerous for a meat-based life form.

"We've designed our world for the human form. Hands allow us to open doors and use tools; arms and legs allow us to move efficiently, climb stairs, lift boxes, and more," the company says of its thinking behind mimicking the human body for its robot, rather than following the trend of creating something easier to build. "Figure 01 brings together the dexterity of the human form and cutting edge AI to go beyond single-function robots and lend support across manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and retail."

"At Figure, we believe general purpose humanoid robots built for a human environment is the desired route to have the largest overall impact," Adcock adds. "For that reason, our humanoid robots resemble the human body in shape — two legs, two arms, hands, and screen for a face. With one product we can meet the complex human environment with human-like capabilities, and provide endless types of support across a variety of circumstances."

According to Figure, the Figure 01 — which it must be stressed is presented as "commercially viable" and not yet "commercially available" — stands at 5'6" tall and weighs 60kg (around 132lbs), with a payload of 20kg (around 44lbs). Electrically driven, it is claimed to operate for up to five hours per charge and can walk at a speed of 1.2 meters per second (around 2.7 miles per hour.)

"Building an AI system that enables our humanoids to perform everyday tasks autonomously is arguably one of the hardest problems we face long-term," Adcock admits. "We are tackling this by building intelligent embodied agents that can interact with complex and unstructured real-world environments."

While the company has published a "master plan" which outlines its efforts in engineering the mechanics of the robot and the desire to bring its cost down to "affordable levels" through volume manufacturing, it has not yet announced a release date nor pricing information.