Figure AI, the California-based general purpose humanoid robot developer announced the release of Figure 02, the company’s second-generation humanoid.
The company received a $675M Series B round earlier in 2024, valuing the company at $2.6 billion.
OpenAI neural network improvements in Figure 02
As part of the new humanoid, Figure 02 has a new addition for its artificial intelligence and neural network technology for, “speech-to-speech reasoning,” according to the company.
When Figure AI announced its Series B round, including in the investors were OpenAI, Microsoft, NVIDIA and others. Along with the funding, OpenAI and Figure AI announced the companies had reached a collaboration agreement to develop AI models. The research combines OpenAI’s neural network and artificial intelligence with Figure’s humanoid hardware and software.
Figure 02, according to the company, is able to maintain a conversation with humans through the humanoid robot’s microphones and speakers. The companies developed and tested custom AI models to enhance Figure 02’s responses and conversation ability.
Design enhancements on Figure 02
Along with the neural network and AI updates, Figure 02 looks markedly different than its predecessor.
Users will notice that Figure 02 is matte black as compared to the silver finish on the Figure 01. The company also moved cables inside the robot’s “skin” in the new generation as part of the design overhaul.
From the size and capability perspectives, Figure 02:
- Stands 5’6” tall
- Weighs 70 kg (154 lbs.)
- Has a payload of 20 kg (44 lbs.)
- Moves at 1.2 meters/second (approximately 2.7 MPH)
- Comes with a runtime of 5 hours
- Operates on an electric system
The new humanoid also comes with more enhancements on its “hands.” Figure 02 has four fingers and a thumb to match its human counterparts, and has 16 degrees of freedom of hand movement/rotation.
Figure AI was founded in 2022 by Brett Adcock, the founder of Archer Aviation and Vettery. The company emerged from stealth mode in March 2023, and received a $70 million Series A round in May 2023. Figure 01 debuted five months later in October.
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