Figure Unveils a Redesigned Humanoid Robot with the Sleek New F.02 Model
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California-based robotics company Figure has announced its second-generation humanoid robot. Initially targeting commercial production lines, the company promises that a bipedal butler for home use will be available soon.
Figure was established in 2022 by entrepreneur Brett Adcock, known for Vettery and Archer Aviation, with the goal of introducing a “commercially viable general-purpose humanoid robot.” We interviewed Adcock last year in a three-part series and have tracked the development of their first robot from initial steps and task learning to joining BMW’s team and acquiring OpenAI’s conversational abilities.
Figure Unveils Upgraded Hardware and Software with Enhanced AI, Vision, and Power Systems
Figure reports that its engineers have completed a “ground-up hardware and software redesign,” featuring enhancements to AI systems, computer vision, battery packs, electronics, sensors, and actuators.
Notable updates include onboard microphones and speakers designed for one-on-one conversations with humans, utilizing custom AI models developed in collaboration with OpenAI. While it’s possible that the F.02 bots might become friendly companions for sharing personal stories and lightening the workday with conversation, the primary focus is likely to be more on functional interactions, similar to initial GPT exchanges.
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Figure has integrated a vision language model into the F.02, enabling the humanoid to interpret camera images and decide if any actions are required.
The F.02 Features Six RGB Cameras and Enhanced AI Capabilities for Autonomous Task Performance
The F.02 features six RGB cameras that feed visual data into its AI-driven vision system, helping it understand its surroundings. This setup includes two cameras in its curved-panel animated face and an array at the back. Additionally, the robot boasts a threefold increase in computational power and AI capabilities compared to Gen1, allowing it to perform real-world AI tasks completely autonomously.
In fact, the F.02 features a sleek exterior with a gun-metal gray finish, combining fabric covering and internal wiring. A promotional video highlights its shoulder joints with 50 Nm (36.8 lb.ft) of torque and a 148-degree range of motion, 150 Nm (110.6 lb.ft) at the knee with a 135-degree range, and 150 Nm at the hip with a 195-degree range. Additionally, the new humanoid features advanced human-scale robot hands with 16 degrees of freedom and strength similar to human capabilities, allowing it to perform a broad range of human-like tasks.
New 2.25-kWh Custom Battery Pack Boosts Energy Delivery by Over 50%, with Runtime Details Pending
Finally, the new 2.25-kWh custom battery pack in the torso is said to increase energy delivery by over 50%, though specific runtime details per charge are not yet available.
However, we recently observed Figure 01’s performance at BMW’s manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where it underwent training. The F.02 humanoid has now joined the factory floor, focusing on AI data collection and use case training.
“Figure aims to develop robots that not only boost productivity and efficiency but also enhance human quality of life,” the company stated. “The advanced features of Figure 02 bring us closer to this goal.”
We expect to learn more about the latest Figure humanoid soon and will update you with the information. In the meantime, you can watch the video below for additional details.
Read the original article on: New Atlas
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