Humanoid robots, once considered a far-off fantasy, are becoming more of a reality, thanks to advancements in AI and robotics. Figure, a prominent player in the humanoid robot space, has recently raised $675 million in funding from major tech companies such as Microsoft, Nvidia, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The company is also forging a powerful partnership with OpenAI, the creators of the world’s most popular large language model, to improve the functionality of its robots. This collaboration could be a game-changer for the future of humanoid robots, enabling them to engage in meaningful conversations and learn from their experiences.
Humanoid Robots Are Moving from Fantasy to Reality
Just a few years ago, the idea of autonomous bipedal robots was often met with skepticism. Early attempts at building walking, talking robots were clumsy at best. High-profile Pentagon challenges showcased robots stumbling through obstacle courses, and Tesla’s humanoid bot was reduced to little more than a man dancing in a skin-tight bodysuit. Yet, in the face of such setbacks, robotics firms pressed on, and now, humanoid robots are poised to become an integral part of the workforce.
Figure, founded in 2021, is at the forefront of this transformation. The company is developing a 5’6″, 130-pound humanoid robot that can carry 45-pound objects and walk at speeds of up to 2.7 miles per hour. While the technology is still in its early stages, Figure’s robot has already demonstrated its capabilities in a recent video, where its model, the Figure 01, autonomously completed a task by picking up a crate and loading it onto a conveyor belt. The robot’s progress represents a leap forward from previous robotic failures and offers a glimpse into a future where robots could perform critical tasks in manufacturing and other industries.
OpenAI’s Role in Enhancing Humanoid Robotics
In a groundbreaking move, Figure has partnered with OpenAI to integrate advanced AI models into its robots. This collaboration aims to make the robots not only more capable but also more human-like in their interactions. By incorporating OpenAI’s generative AI technology, Figure hopes to enhance the robot’s ability to understand and process language, allowing it to follow verbal commands and perform tasks autonomously.
According to Figure’s founder, Brett Adcock, this partnership marks a “huge milestone for robotics.” He believes that AI’s role in improving the “semantic” understanding of robots will make them more useful in real-world scenarios. Over time, robots like the Figure 01 could converse fluently with human workers, creating lists of tasks and completing them with minimal input. The ability to self-correct and learn from past mistakes would further improve their performance.
The Future of Work with Humanoid Robots
The long-term vision for humanoid robots is to have them work alongside humans in industries like manufacturing, performing tasks that are difficult, unsafe, or tedious. Their bipedal design makes them more adaptable to uneven ground and stairs, unlike wheeled or tracked robots. As Figure’s Chief Technology Officer Jerry Pratt pointed out, the advancements in computer vision and robotics hardware have drastically improved the performance of these robots, making them more reliable and efficient.
The partnership with OpenAI promises to take humanoid robots even further, allowing them to better understand language and perform tasks based on verbal commands. This development could ultimately lead to a future where robots and humans collaborate seamlessly in the workplace.
Looking Ahead
As AI and robotics continue to evolve, the potential for humanoid robots to transform industries is immense. By combining cutting-edge AI technology with advanced robotics, companies like Figure are paving the way for a new era in automation. With OpenAI’s support, Figure’s humanoid robots could one day play a central role in solving labor shortages and enhancing productivity in workplaces across the globe.