Figure 03 works more as housekeeper than humanoid robot
Figure Robotics introduces Figure 03, an upgraded general-purpose humanoid robot that can clean houses, do laundry, wash plates, serve food, and more, as if it were a real human. A step up from its two other siblings, the recent model has redesigned hands with tactile sensors, which let its fingertips detect even the slightest pressure. It’s because of this that the AI-powered robot can do house chores, as Figure 03 can sense when an object is slipping or when a light touch is needed. Its fingertips are softer and adapt to the shape of different objects with better grip control, and the sensors are built to help the humanoid robot handle fragile, irregular, or moving items.
A new feature of Figure 03 is the palm cameras in each hand. They give the robot a close-up view when it holds or manipulates objects. They work even when the main cameras are blocked, such as when the robot reaches into a cabinet to see what’s inside. It helps the AI system adjust hand movements in real time and keep control, especially while working in tight spaces. The Figure 03 project is centered on Helix, the company’s vision-language-action AI, which allows the new cameras to capture images at a faster rate, with lower delay and a wider viewing range. They also have a deeper focus range, so the robot can clearly see objects at different distances.
all images courtesy of Figure Robotics
General-purpose and assistive device for homes and production
Since the humanoid robot Figure 03 is a general-purpose one, it can be used both at home and in manufacturing. For home use, the company dresses it up with knitwear that has a soft textile covering and layered foam to prevent pinching or impact. It tries to humanize the walking and working device by making it look less like a machine and more like a human wearing a helmet while at home (Figure also plans to offer optional clothing made from strong and cut-resistant materials). Compared to its siblings, the recent model is dubbed to weigh less and take up less space, so it’s more flexible moving through narrow areas. The robot’s battery has new safety protections at every level, allowing it to work safely indoors and recharge through wireless inductive charging, using coils in its feet to connect with a charging pad automatically.
In production, Figure 03 marks a major change because the company, for the first time, has redesigned every part of the robot for production use, too (the earlier robots were built just as engineering prototypes). The company says that its actuators now operate faster and with greater force for quicker and more precise item handling, and these upgrades make the humanoid robot suitable for environments that require repetitive or high-speed movement, including warehouses or assembly lines. The improved hand and sensor systems allow it to pick up and manage items of different sizes and textures, from small parts to flexible materials. In operation, Figure 03 can learn new tasks by observing humans, manipulate objects using its tactile sensors, and move safely around people and furniture. So far, the company has yet to announce the production and mass-market release of the humanoid robot.
the recent model can wash plates on its own
its fingertips are softer and adapt to the shape of different objects with better grip control
the sensors are built to help the humanoid robot handle fragile, irregular, or moving items
the palm cameras in each hand give the robot a close-up view of what it holds
the company dresses it up with knitwear that has a soft textile covering and layered foam
