Figure AI, Inc. is a pioneering AI robotics company founded in 2022 by Brett Adcock, with the ambitious mission to develop and deploy the world's first commercially viable general-purpose autonomous humanoid robots.

Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, a nexus of technological innovation, Figure is rapidly advancing the field of AI-driven robotics. Their core focus is on creating humanoids that can perform a wide array of tasks across various industries, addressing labor shortages, and undertaking jobs that are unsafe or undesirable for humans.

Figure's approach is "AI-first," meaning they are developing sophisticated AI systems, including their own generalist model called Helix, to enable their robots to learn, reason, and interact with the world with unprecedented adaptability.

Their robots, most notably the "Figure 01" and the more recent "Figure 02," are designed with a human-like form factor. This design choice is intentional, as our world—from tools and workspaces to entire buildings—is built for human ergonomics. By mimicking human dexterity and movement, Figure's humanoids aim to seamlessly integrate into existing human environments and workflows.

A landmark development for Figure, and indeed for the entire field of humanoid robotics, is their partnership with BMW Manufacturing. In early 2024, Figure announced that its humanoid robots would be deployed at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant.

This collaboration is widely seen as one of the first significant real-world applications of general-purpose humanoid robots in a commercial manufacturing setting. Initially, the Figure humanoids are tasked with specific logistics and manufacturing duties, such as handling sheet metal parts and moving them to fixtures for welding.

This pilot program is a critical step in demonstrating the viability and potential of humanoids to augment human labor in complex industrial environments, performing physically demanding or repetitive tasks and allowing human workers to focus on higher-value activities. The success of this initiative is poised to pave the way for broader adoption.

The potential for humanoid robots like those Figure is developing is truly vast and transformative. Beyond manufacturing, humanoids could revolutionize numerous sectors:

Logistics and Warehousing: Automating tasks like picking, packing, sorting, and transporting goods, especially in environments with labor shortages or high turnover.

• Retail: Assisting with stocking shelves, managing inventory, customer service, and even in-store assembly or preparation tasks.
• Healthcare: Providing support in hospitals and elder care facilities, assisting with patient mobility, delivering supplies, and performing routine tasks to free up medical staff.
• Construction: Carrying materials, performing assembly tasks in hazardous environments, and assisting with repetitive building processes.
• Space Exploration and Hazardous Environments: Performing tasks too dangerous or difficult for humans, such as maintenance on space stations, disaster relief, or work in contaminated areas.
• Domestic Assistance: In the longer term, humanoids could assist with household chores, provide companionship, and support individuals with mobility challenges.

Figure's vision extends to a future where humanoid robots are a ubiquitous interface in the physical world, enhancing human productivity and quality of life on a global scale. They are not just building robots; they are building a future where humans and intelligent machines collaborate to solve some of the world's most pressing labor and productivity challenges.

Robots & Products

• Figure 01 - Initial prototype and development platform
• Figure 02 - Second-generation, more robust model for commercial/industrial use
• Helix - Figure's generalist AI model powering the robots

Why Choose Figure.ai?

• Pioneering Humanoid Technology: Developing some of the most advanced general-purpose humanoid robots designed for real-world commercial applications.
• AI-First Approach: Strong focus on sophisticated AI, including their proprietary Helix model, enabling robots to learn, adapt, and perform complex tasks with increasing autonomy and an understanding of natural language.
• Real-World Deployment & Validation: Demonstrated application in major industrial settings, such as the BMW manufacturing plant, showcasing practical utility.
• Designed for Human Environments: Humanoid form factor allows robots to operate in spaces and use tools designed for humans, minimizing the need for environmental retrofitting.
• Addressing Labor Shortages: Aims to provide solutions for industries facing critical labor shortages and to handle tasks that are dangerous, repetitive, or undesirable for human workers.
• Strong Backing and Partnerships: Supported by leading tech investors and partnered with major companies (e.g., BMW, OpenAI initially for specific model development) to accelerate development and deployment.
• Vision for Broad Impact: Focused on long-term applications across multiple sectors, from manufacturing and logistics to potentially retail, healthcare, and beyond, aiming to significantly expand human capabilities.
• Rapid Iteration and Development: Demonstrating quick progress from prototype (Figure 01) to more production-ready models (Figure 02) and scaling manufacturing capabilities (e.g., BotQ facility plans).

Funding To Date

Figure AI has raised substantial capital, including a $70 million Series A in 2023 and a $675 million Series B round in February 2024, with backing from major investors like Microsoft, NVIDIA, OpenAI Startup Fund, Jeff Bezos (Bezos Expeditions), Intel Capital, and Parkway Venture Capital.

Total funding is around $754 million (with some reports suggesting it's closer to $845 million with all contributions). The company was valued at $2.6 billion as of February 2024 and has been reportedly in talks for further funding at significantly higher valuations.