Figure has officially unveiled its second-generation humanoid robot, Figure 02, which integrates OpenAI’s advanced AI models to enable fluid, natural speech conversations and enhanced autonomous task performance.
Strategic Expansion into Industrial Manufacturing
Figure recently launched pilot programs at BMW’s manufacturing facilities. In June, the company debuted a video demonstrating an earlier, tethered version of its robot autonomously executing complex tasks on the factory floor, powered by sophisticated neural networks.
The 02 model has already been deployed at the automaker’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, site for intensive training and data acquisition. While these partnerships remain in the nascent stages, the competitive landscape is heating up. Rivals such as Agility, Apptronik, and Sanctuary AI have initiated similar automotive pilots, while Tesla continues to push its Optimus program and Hyundai—backed by Boston Dynamics—actively pursues humanoid integration for its own production lines.
Hardware Overhaul and Technical Specifications
The jump from the 01 to the 02 model represents a total ground-up hardware and software redesign. Key upgrades include an array of six RGB cameras integrated with an onboard visual language model, significantly boosted CPU/GPU computing power, and highly refined hands featuring 16 degrees of freedom.
The design of robot hands remains a polarizing subject in the robotics industry. There is ongoing debate regarding how closely mechanical grippers should mimic human anatomy. While human-inspired designs offer unmatched dexterity, critics often point to their fragility and the risks of over-engineering. Figure has doubled down on this approach, maintaining its commitment to human-like hands as the primary end effectors for its systems.
Beyond the Factory Floor
Although Figure has not yet released a specific timeline for a large-scale rollout of the 02, the company is signaling ambitions that extend far beyond industrial environments. According to the company, the robot is designed to merge human-like dexterity with cutting-edge AI, targeting a diverse range of commercial applications and, eventually, domestic use within the home.
