Figure AI has introduced a redesigned third-generation humanoid robot that can do chores and perform manual jobs.
On Thursday (October 9th), the company announced that it had completed a ground-up hardware and software redesign of its artificial intelligence (AI) powered humanoid robot, Figure 03.
Each robot's hand now has an embedded palm camera with a wide field of view. These cameras allow for maintaining visual awareness even when the main cameras are occluded, for example, when reaching into a cabinet or working in confined spaces.
The redesigned robot's softer and more adaptive fingertips enable more stable grasps. The video released by Figure shows the robot grabbing a tomato, an egg, and a playing card.
Grasping and holding small objects is a notoriously challenging task for robots because it requires the force feedback that humans naturally have. The ability to do so is often considered to be a benchmark for machine capabilities.
Safety updates include foam to protect against pinch points and covering the robot in soft textiles, which are fully washable and can be removed without tools.
The company says the 5'6" and 133 lbs robot that moves at the speed of 1.2M/S can also be customized with various clothing options.
Humanoid robots are not going after jobs yet
The redesign brings Figure closer to its goal of building a truly general-purpose robot that can perform human-like tasks and learn directly from people.
The company's videos demonstrate Figure 03 performing household tasks such as doing laundry and loading a dishwasher. It can also do manual jobs like packaging or parcel delivery.
The announcement comes amid rising concerns about the impact AI may have on the job market.
Senator Bernie Sanders has recently warned that AI could erase nearly 100 million low-wage and entry-level jobs over the next 10 years. Humanoid robots could potentially perform some of these jobs, such as order filler or janitor.
A 2024 study suggests that robot adoption leads to higher productivity and employment in developed countries, but employment increases come with a delay. The same is not true for developing countries, where robot adoption increases neither productivity nor employment.
Morgan Stanley predicts there could be more than one billion humanoids by 2050, with 90% used for industrial and commercial purposes. Only 80 million humanoids are predicted to be used in homes.
Highly complex humanoid robots remain expensive, but technological advances and production volume increases may put their price down.
According to a Morgan Stanley report, a humanoid robot may cost about $150,000 in high-income countries by 2028 and $50,000 by 2050, with prices in lower-income countries going as low as $15,000.
Two in five Americans are interested in having a household robot to help with their chores.
However, data indicates that people generally prefer special-purpose robots like a Roomba vacuum cleaner over humanoids, as they are considered safer and more private.
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