Eugene Demaitre
2024-12-29 08:31:00
www.therobotreport.com
Humanoid robots are starting to move from development and trials to commercial use. Figure AI Inc. this month announced that it has delivered its Figure 02 systems to a customer.
“Exciting news — today, Figure officially became a revenue-generating company!” Brett Adcock, founder and CEO of Figure AI, posted to LinkedIn. “This week, we delivered F.02 humanoid robots to our commercial client, & they’re currently hard at work.”
Figure 02 continues fast pace
Figure AI won a 2024 RBR50 award for its rapid pace of innovation. Since emerging from stealth in January 2023, the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company has built and iterated on a working humanoid and tested its robot on a production line.
“It marks 31 months from filing our C-Corp to getting to humanoid robot revenue,” wrote Adcock, who was a guest on The Robot Report Podcast.
In May 2023, Figure AI raised $70 million in Series A funding, and that July, Intel Capital invested in the company. In February 2024, Figure closed its Series B round of $675 million.
The Figure 01 humanoid took its first public steps in October 2023, and the fully redesigned, sleeker Figure 02 debuted in August 2024. In addition, Figure AI has partnered with OpenAI, which recently restarted its own robotics research group, on speech-to-speech communications with humans.
Register today to save 40% on conference passes!
Humanoids take steps toward commercial use
Over the past two years, the number of companies working on humanoids has grown, as has the supporting ecosystem of software and artificial intelligence for locomotion, navigation, and dexterous manipulation. However, only a few have moved into pilots and commercialization.
In August 2024, Figure AI said that BMW Group had tested Figure 02 for handling fitted sheet-metal parts on its automotive production line for two weeks in Spartanburg, S.C. BMW had previously tested Figure 01.
Adcock did not name Figure AI’s commercial client. The Robot Report will add information as it becomes available.
Other companies besides Figure that have had commercial trials of humanoid robots include Agility Robotics, Apptronik, Boston Dynamics, and Tesla. Their systems are being tested in manufacturing and warehouse settings by Amazon, GXO Logistics, Mercedes-Benz, and Schaeffler.
The global market for humanoid robots could experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 96% between 2022 and 2030, reaching $6.8 billion, according to ABI Research. It noted that the number of units shipped could grow from 1,000 in 2025 to 182,000 by 2030.
However, use cases, safety standards, and pricing models are still being defined. Gartner Inc. has put humanoids at the beginning of its latest “hype cycle” for mobile robots and drones.
Keep track of your essentials with the Apple AirTag 4 Pack, the ultimate tracking solution for your belongings. With over 5,972 ratings and a stellar 4.7-star average, this product has quickly become a customer favorite. Over 10,000 units were purchased in the past month, solidifying its status as a highly rated Amazon Choice product.
For just $79.98, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your items are always within reach. Order now for only $79.98 at Amazon!
Support Techcratic
If you find value in Techcratic’s insights and articles, consider supporting us with Bitcoin. Your support helps me, as a solo operator, continue delivering high-quality content while managing all the technical aspects, from server maintenance to blog writing, future updates, and improvements. Support Innovation! Thank you.
Bitcoin Address:
bc1qlszw7elx2qahjwvaryh0tkgg8y68enw30gpvge
Please verify this address before sending funds.
Bitcoin QR Code
Simply scan the QR code below to support Techcratic.
Please read the Privacy and Security Disclaimer on how Techcratic handles your support.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, Techcratic may earn from qualifying purchases.