Unlike traditional industrial robots, humanoids are built to navigate environments designed for people, making them ideal for tasks in manufacturing, logistics, and even customer service. Advances in artificial intelligence and robotics have accelerated their development, enabling more natural mobility and decision-making. As automation reshapes industries, humanoid robots are emerging as a potential solution to labour shortages and efficiency challenges across multiple sectors. As companies race to bring these robots to market, Figure AI has emerged as one of the leading players in this transformative industry.
Figure AI, a transformational force in humanoid robotics, is on the cusp of securing a whopping $1.5 billion in funding, increasing its valuation to $39.5 billion. This is 15 times more than its current valuation of $2.6 billion that it attained last year on raising $675 million. This substantial financial infusion underscores the escalating confidence in advanced robotics and artificial intelligence sectors.
Accelerated growth plans
As per Bloomberg, Align Ventures and Parkway Venture Capital, both renowned for their strategic investments in cutting-edge technologies are said to lead this round. Their involvement not only brings capital but also invaluable industry expertise, positioning Figure AI for accelerated growth and innovation. The company’s existing investor roster includes tech giants like Microsoft, OpenAI, Nvidia, and Amazon’s founder, Jeff Bezos.
Notably, Bezos has amplified his commitment by pledging an additional $100 million through his venture firm, Explore Investments. This collective financial support shows Figure AI’s potential to redefine the robotics landscape.
Pioneer in humanoid robotics
Brett Adcock, who previously co-founded Archer Aviation, an electric air taxi company, established Figure AI. He has a background in AI and automation.
At the heart of Figure AI’s mission is the development of humanoid robots capable of seamlessly integrating into various industries. The company’s flagship model, Figure 02, exemplifies this vision. Designed with advanced mobility and dexterity, Figure 02 is tailored to undertake tasks traditionally performed by humans, thereby enhancing operational efficiency across sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing.
A notable deployment includes its integration into BMW’s manufacturing facility in South Carolina, where Figure 02 adeptly managed tasks like inserting sheet metal parts into assembly fixtures. This real-world application not only validates the robot’s practical utility but also signifies a transformative shift towards automation in industrial processes.
Ambitious production roadmap
In alignment with its vision to revolutionise the workforce, Figure AI has unveiled plans to produce and deploy 100,000 humanoid robots over the forthcoming years. This ambitious production strategy is poised to meet the burgeoning demand for automation solutions, particularly in labor-intensive industries.
By augmenting human labour with robotic precision, companies can anticipate enhanced productivity, reduced operational costs, and minimised error margins. Moreover, the scalability of Figure AI’s production ensures that businesses of varying sizes can access and benefit from advanced robotic solutions.
Ends its collaboration with OpenAI
In a significant strategic move, Figure AI has opted to conclude its collaboration with OpenAI, in favour of cultivating its proprietary in-house AI models. This decision is inspired by the major advancements in robotic intelligence, particularly in enhancing the reasoning capabilities of humanoid robots.
Revealing this on X earlier this month, CEO Adcock promised that Figure AI will reveal something no one has ever seen on a humanoid within the next 30 days.
He explained that OpenAI’s intelligence models were not the right fit for humanoid robotics. OpenAI’s focus is on general AI models, such as ChatGPT, rather than AI specifically designed for physical robots. According to Adcock, the best way to solve AI challenges in humanoid robotics is to create an integrated system where software and hardware are developed together.
By internalising AI development, Figure AI aims to expedite innovation cycles, maintain greater control over technological trajectories, and tailor solutions that are intricately aligned with their hardware developments. This approach ensures a seamless integration of software and hardware, optimising the performance and adaptability of their robotic systems.
Competitive landscape
Here’s an expanded version with detailed insights into Figure AI’s competitors:
Tesla Optimus: Tesla’s Optimus robot, first unveiled in 2021, is a direct competitor to Figure AI. Elon Musk envisions Optimus as an affordable, general-purpose robot that could eventually cost less than a car. Tesla has a unique advantage with its vast experience in AI, manufacturing, and supply chain management. The company aims to deploy Optimus in its own factories before bringing it to market, allowing it to fine-tune the robot’s capabilities in real-world conditions. However, unlike Figure AI, Tesla is still in the prototype stage and has yet to announce mass production plans.
Agility Robotics: Agility Robotics, the maker of the humanoid robot Digit, has taken a different approach by specifically targeting warehouse automation. Digit is designed to assist in logistics and package handling, making it an ideal solution for e-commerce giants like Amazon, which has already partnered with the company. Unlike Figure AI’s vision of general-purpose humanoid workers, Agility Robotics is focusing on niche applications where robots can immediately add value. With Amazon’s backing and real-world deployment already underway, Agility is a serious contender in the commercial robotics space.
Boston Dynamics: Famous for its viral robot videos, Boston Dynamics is one of the most established names in robotics. The company, now owned by Hyundai, has built some of the world’s most advanced robots, including Atlas, a highly dynamic humanoid. Atlas can run, jump, and perform complex movements with precision, showcasing Boston Dynamics’ superior hardware and control systems. However, the company has struggled to commercialise its humanoid robots, focusing instead on its more practical four-legged robot, Spot, which is used in security and industrial inspections.
Apptronik: An Austin-based robotics startup, is a key competitor in the humanoid robotics space. Its flagship humanoid, Apollo, is designed to work in logistics, manufacturing, and retail environments, focusing on repetitive tasks such as material handling and warehouse operations. Unlike Figure AI’s broad vision of humanoids replacing human workers in multiple industries, Apptronik is targeting immediate commercial applications with scalable, modular designs.
What makes Figure AI stand out?
Despite intense competition, Figure AI has key advantages. Its ability to attract major funding, its focus on real-world applications, and its commitment to mass production (100,000 robots in the next few years) give it an edge over companies still refining prototypes. By shifting to in-house AI development after dropping OpenAI, Figure AI is betting on custom-built intelligence that will be deeply integrated with its robots.
With its recent funding boost, Figure AI is poised to become a dominant force in humanoid robotics. But with companies mentioned above pushing the boundaries of AI-driven automation, the race to build the workforce of the future is far from over.
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