Figure AI: Revolutionizing Robotics with Humanoid Assistants

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Figure AI has rapidly progressed from startup to industry leader in humanoid robotics.
• Early commercial deployments in factories paved the way for consumer-oriented models.
• Technological breakthroughs include advanced neural networks and sensory hardware.
• The company’s long-term vision positions robots as everyday assistants in homes.
• Challenges remain, including safety, mass production, and broad AI generalization.

Table of contents

In an age where artificial intelligence and automation are transforming industries, Figure AI stands at the forefront of a revolutionary shift in robotics. This startup, founded just three years ago, is now delivering humanoid robots that can work alongside humans in factories and is preparing to bring them into our homes.

The Rise of Figure AI: From Startup to Industry Leader

Founded in 2022 by Brett Adcock, Figure AI has rapidly established itself as a pioneer in humanoid robotics. The company's mission is clear and ambitious: to develop the world's first commercially viable, general-purpose autonomous humanoid robot (source).

Unlike traditional industrial robots that require specialized environments, Figure's robots are designed to interact with the world as humans do. This approach eliminates the need for costly retrofitting of industrial spaces and enables broader automation potential.

With labor shortages affecting multiple sectors, Figure AI's solution offers a compelling alternative: robots capable of performing tasks in factories, warehouses, and eventually homes.

Evolution of Figure's Humanoid Robots

Figure 01: The Foundation

The company's first robot, Figure 01, was publicly revealed in 2023. This initial model demonstrated the fundamental capabilities that would define the company's approach: bipedal walking and basic manipulation skills (source).

While primarily experimental, Figure 01 laid the groundwork for what was to come, proving that the concept of versatile humanoid robots could move beyond science fiction.

Figure 02: From Concept to Commercial Reality

In August 2024, Figure AI released the Figure 02, a completely redesigned, sleeker model that marked the company's transition from prototype to commercial product. This was a watershed moment, as Figure 02 became the first of the company's robots to be delivered to and tested by commercial clients (source).

The most notable deployment was at BMW's factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where Figure 02 robots performed real assembly line tasks, including fitting sheet metal parts (source). This real-world application demonstrated the robots' ability to work alongside humans in complex manufacturing environments.

By December 2024, Figure AI had started shipping Figure 02 units to paying customers (source), marking its shift from a research-focused operation to a revenue-generating business.

Figure 03: Bringing Robots Home

The most recent and perhaps most exciting development is the announcement of Figure 03 in October 2025. This new model represents a significant pivot toward the consumer market, with a design specifically tailored for home use (source).

Figure 03 features:

• A more compact form factor suitable for residential spaces
• Advanced sensory hands for delicate manipulation
• Lower cost to enable wider adoption
• The new "Helix" neural network for enhanced intelligence

This latest robot aims to assist with general domestic work, potentially addressing the growing need for in-home support, particularly for aging populations (source).

Technological Breakthroughs Powering Figure's Robots

Figure AI's rapid advancement isn't merely about hardware iterations. The company has made significant technological breakthroughs that set its robots apart from competitors (source).

Helix Vision-Language-Action Neural Network

At the heart of Figure 03 is the proprietary Helix Vision-Language-Action (VLA) Neural Network. This advanced AI model enables high-level reasoning, real-time understanding, and control of robots in complex, changing environments (source).

What makes Helix particularly impressive is its ability to interpret vision, language, and action cues simultaneously. This integration allows Figure robots to adapt to messy, cluttered spaces—a critical capability for robots operating in unpredictable home environments (source).

Enhanced Sensory and Manipulation Hardware

Figure 03 introduces revolutionary advancements in robotic manipulation. The robot features embedded palm cameras and tactile sensors in its hands, enabling more precise object handling, even in occluded or confined spaces (source).

The addition of hand cameras and increased sensor frame rates provides better feedback during delicate tasks like opening cabinets or handling fragile objects—capabilities essential for useful home assistance.

Cost-Efficient Manufacturing

Perhaps one of the most important innovations is less visible but equally impactful. Figure AI has developed new supply chain and manufacturing processes for Figure 03 that aim to significantly reduce production costs (source).

This focus on manufacturing efficiency is crucial for scaling up production and making humanoid robots affordable enough for widespread consumer adoption.

From Factory Floor to Living Room: Commercial Progress

Figure AI's commercial journey demonstrates a thoughtful, staged approach to market entry.

Industrial Proving Grounds

The company wisely chose industrial settings for its initial commercial deployments. The Figure 02 pilot at BMW showcased the robot's ability to handle manufacturing tasks in real production environments (source).

This approach allowed Figure to demonstrate value in structured settings while gathering valuable data and refining its technology before tackling the more unpredictable domestic environment.

Revenue Milestones

By December 2024, Figure AI had crossed a critical threshold by delivering its first robots to paying customers (source). This transition from research and development to revenue generation validated the company's business model and created momentum for further expansion.

Ambitious Scaling Plans

Figure AI's vision extends well beyond individual deployments. The company aims to ship 100,000 humanoid robots over the next four years, with an increasing focus on home and consumer applications through Figure 03 (source).

This aggressive scaling target signals Figure's confidence in both its technology and the market demand for versatile humanoid robots.

Backing from Tech Giants: Investment and Partnerships

Figure AI's rapid rise has been fueled by exceptional financial and strategic support.

Record-Breaking Funding

In September 2025, Figure AI raised over $1 billion in Series C funding, with major backing from technology leaders including NVIDIA, Intel Capital, and Microsoft. This investment round valued the company at $39 billion (source)—an extraordinary figure for a company just three years old.

This valuation places Figure AI among the most valuable robotics companies globally and provides the resources needed to execute its ambitious production and deployment plans (source).

Strategic Partnerships

Beyond capital, Figure AI has formed strategic partnerships that enhance its technological capabilities. A particularly notable collaboration is with OpenAI, focusing on speech-to-speech communication (source). This partnership suggests future Figure robots will feature increasingly natural conversational interfaces.

The company's relationships with chip manufacturers and AI firms provide access to cutting-edge technologies and specialized expertise (source), creating a robust ecosystem to support continued innovation.

Industry Recognition

Figure AI's achievements have earned significant recognition within the robotics industry. The company received the 2024 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award for its rapid development pace and technical breakthroughs (source), further cementing its position as a leader in the field.

Challenges on the Horizon

Despite its impressive progress, Figure AI faces significant challenges as it moves toward widespread adoption of its robots.

Generalization and Safety

While Figure robots continue to advance in capability, achieving truly reliable, general-purpose functionality remains a substantial challenge. Operating safely in unpredictable human environments without supervision requires levels of perception, reasoning, and adaptability (source) that push the boundaries of current AI technology (source).

Mass Production Complexity

Moving from small-scale production to mass manufacturing presents another significant hurdle. The transition from producing dozens of robots to tens or hundreds of thousands involves complex supply chain management, quality control, and manufacturing optimization challenges (source).

The consumer market also demands higher reliability, lower costs, and simpler user experiences than industrial customers, raising the bar for Figure 03's performance.

The Long View: Figure AI's 30-Year Vision

Figure AI's ambitions extend far beyond the next product release. Founder Brett Adcock has outlined a 30-year vision focused on maximizing the robots' utility for humanity (source).

This long-term plan includes:

• Supporting labor needs in dangerous or undesirable roles
• Providing in-home assistance, especially for elderly populations
• Potentially enabling space exploration through robotic capabilities

The company's master plan reflects a thoughtful consideration of how humanoid robots might evolve to address some of society's most pressing challenges (source).

Leading the Humanoid Revolution

Figure AI has established itself as a leading force in humanoid robotics through its rapid development cycle, substantial funding, real-world deployments, and technical innovations (source).

The company's progression from factory robots to home assistants with Figure 03 represents a pivotal moment in robotics history. If successful, Figure could define the mainstream future of AI-powered, general-purpose robots (source).

As the company works toward its goal of shipping 100,000 units in the coming years, the world will be watching to see if Figure AI can transform humanoid robots from science fiction into an everyday reality that enhances human capabilities and improves quality of life.

Whether in factories, warehouses, or eventually our homes, Figure AI's robots represent one of the most ambitious attempts yet to create machines that can work in human environments, performing physical tasks with the versatility and adaptability previously reserved for humans themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Figure's robots compare to traditional industrial robots?

Unlike typical industrial robots that require specialized settings, Figure’s humanoid robots are designed to function in environments built for humans. This flexibility reduces the need for expensive facility modifications.

Are Figure's humanoid robots safe around people?

Safety is a primary concern for Figure AI. The company integrates advanced sensors, AI-driven decision-making, and rigorous testing to ensure the robots can safely operate alongside humans, though continuous improvements are ongoing.

When will we see humanoid robots in everyday homes?

With Figure 03 targeting home usage, widespread adoption could begin within the next few years. However, the pace of mass production, user acceptance, and further AI advancements will influence how quickly the robots enter mainstream homes.