Scaling Production and Reducing Costs
Figure AI, a rapidly growing robotics startup, has secured its second major contract for humanoid robots, following its initial partnership with BMW. CEO Brett Adcock stated that working with two major clients will enable the company to scale production, lower costs, and accelerate AI training for its robots. He emphasized that the company aims to produce 100,000 robots over the next four years, leveraging market potential to achieve this ambitious goal.
Figure: Advancements in AI and Mobility
Since January 2024, the robotics company has made significant progress in robot mobility. The initial Figure 01 moved at just 0.2 m/s, about 17% of human walking speed. However, the latest Figure 02 model is seven times faster, reaching 1.2 m/s, bringing it close to the average human speed of 1.4 m/s. Additionally, Figure 03 has already been tested in a lab and has outperformed its predecessors in multiple aspects.
Artificial intelligence remains a cornerstone of Figure’s development strategy. Adcock highlighted that traditional algorithms proved ineffective for complex tasks, leading the company to fully embrace machine learning. Recently, Figure successfully deployed a neural network to handle tasks for a new client, showcasing the growing capabilities of its AI-driven robots.
Strategic Focus and Market Competition
Unlike many competitors, Figure is not rushing to expand its client base. Instead, the company focuses on deep integration with a select group of major partners, refining its technology for real-world applications.
Futurist and engineer Peter Diamandis ranks the company among the top two companies capable of producing functional and affordable humanoid robots. He noted that Figure 01 was introduced just 31 months after the company’s founding and predicted that consumer-grade humanoid robots could hit the market by 2026.
The competition in the humanoid robot market is heating up, with key players like Agility Robotics, Tesla’s Optimus project, and Chinese manufacturers, who make up half of the 16 largest firms in the industry. Figure is positioning itself as a leader, targeting commercial deployments first before expanding into the household sector.
