August 5, 2024 — In a bid to redefine the boundaries of humanoid robotics, Figure, a trailblazing startup, has teased its second-generation robot, Figure 02, ahead of its official launch on August 7. The new model promises to be more human-like and boasts significant hardware upgrades, marking a bold step forward in the realm of artificial intelligence and robotics.
A Shift Towards Consumer-Friendly Design
The unveiling of Figure 02 comes with a noticeable shift in design philosophy. While previous iterations leaned heavily towards industrial applications, the new robot appears to be tailored for the consumer market. The teaser video, released on August 2, showcased a robot with a more human-like appearance, signaling Figure’s intent to create a humanoid that resonates with a broader audience.
The design changes in Figure 02 suggest a move towards a more consumer-centric, humanized image, noted tech analyst and editor at the科创板日报, Song Ziqiao. This could be a strategic move to expand their reach into the C-end market.
Hardware Upgrades Galore
The focus of the new model is its hardware capabilities. The teaser video highlighted significant upgrades in the robot’s joints, actuators, human-like feet, and dexterous hands. The head and body have also gained increased degrees of freedom, with legs and torsos capable of at least 180-degree rotations.
Figure 02’s arm joint actuators, model A2, feature a torque of 50NM with a maximum joint activity range of 148 degrees. The lower limbs showcase two types of rotational joint actuators: the L1, with a torque of 150NM, used near the hip joint, and the L4, also with a torque of 150NM, at the knee. These joints can rotate up to 195 degrees and 135 degrees, respectively.
A novel design element includes the use of new composite materials, particularly in the knee or elbow regions, where a honeycomb-like compressible tissue has been added. This is likely to provide motion cushioning, while also achieving lightweight construction and enhanced heat dissipation.
The hand’s dot-matrix black epidermis is expected to integrate tactile sensors, significantly improving the robot’s tactile perception. The increased friction and more natural finger design will aid in gripping and manipulating various objects with greater dexterity.
The Man Behind the Machine
Leading the charge is Figure’s CEO and co-founder, Brett Adcock, who has been dubbed the next Elon Musk. With nearly two decades of entrepreneurial experience in the tech sector, Adcock’s vision for Figure is ambitious. His previous venture, Vettery, an online talent marketplace, was acquired by Adecco Group for $110 million, showcasing his ability to identify and capitalize on significant market gaps.
Figure 02 is the best humanoid robot on Earth, Adcock confidently declared. His statements are backed by a series of impressive milestones. Since the release of the concept video in March 2023, Figure has made rapid strides, showcasing walking capabilities, a robot that learned to brew coffee in 10 hours, and a collaboration with OpenAI that enhanced the capabilities of Figure 01.
The company’s strategy remains focused on the B2B market, deploying robots in labor-intensive industries such as manufacturing and logistics. However, the long-term goal is to train a world model capable of operating billions of consumer-oriented humanoid robots.
硅谷 Giants and Star Investors Take Notice
Despite not yet being profitable, Figure has attracted significant interest from Silicon Valley heavyweights and celebrity investors. The company announced in early March that it had secured funding from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, NVIDIA, and other prominent investors, highlighting the potential and promise of its technology.
The buzz around Figure 02 has reignited conversations about the future of robotics and AI. While some critics argue that the new model bears a resemblance to Tesla’s Optimus, the focus on hardware upgrades and a more human-like appearance suggests that Figure is carving out its own niche in the rapidly evolving field of humanoid robotics.
As the world watches with bated breath, Figure is set to make its mark on August 7, with the official launch of Figure 02. Whether it will live up to the hype and take its place as the strongest humanoid robot on the planet remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Figure is not just walking the talk, it’s running towards a future where humanoid robots are an integral part of our daily lives.
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