Humanoid Robot Learns Real‑World Skills

First Encounter

From factory floors to kitchens, this AI‑driven robot is built to work where people do.

In BMW’s manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, a tall humanoid robot moves with calm precision. It pauses to lift a container, navigates around a passing worker, and continues without hesitation. This is Figure 02, built by Figure AI, a California‑based company developing general‑purpose humanoid robots that can perform everyday tasks in spaces designed for humans.

Why the Shape Matters

Most environments — from warehouses to homes — are tailored to human proportions. Door handles, stair heights, shelf placement, and tool design all reflect our reach, stride, and grip. Traditional industrial robots excel at a single task but need costly re‑engineering to adapt. Figure 02’s human‑like form — two arms, two legs, dexterous hands — allows it to:

·       Operate standard tools and machinery
·       Open and close doors or use switches
·       Climb stairs and traverse uneven surfaces

The form is functional: it lets the robot work where people work without altering the environment.

The Intelligence Inside

Figure 02 is powered by Helix, Figure AI’s vision‑language‑action (VLA) model. Helix enables the robot to see its surroundings, understand spoken commands, and plan actions to achieve a goal. For example, when told to move a box, Figure 02 can:

1.       Identify the correct box through visual recognition
2.       Chart the safest route across the workspace
3.       Adjust if obstacles appear or the box is relocated
4.       Place the box precisely at the target location

This ability to adapt on the fly makes it a genuine general‑purpose robot rather than a machine locked to one repetitive function.

Learning in the Field

The BMW pilot program tests the robot in real‑world operations. Tasks so far include moving materials between stations, stocking production lines, and working safely around human colleagues. Each assignment trains the robot’s AI to handle variation — an essential skill if those same movement patterns are later used for domestic chores like unloading groceries or placing dishes in cabinets.

Q&A: Common Questions About Figure 02

Q: Can it learn new tasks?

A: Yes. Helix can acquire new capabilities through demonstration, simulation, or language instruction without reprogramming from scratch.

Q: How safe is it?

A: Safety features include motion‑planning, force‑limiting, and constant monitoring to avoid unintended contact.

Q: Is it meant to replace jobs?

A: Current deployments target tasks that are difficult to fill or unsafe for humans, complementing rather than replacing existing staff.

Why This Matters Now

The push toward humanoid robots addresses three pressing challenges:

·       Labor shortages in industries like logistics, manufacturing, and retail

·       Workplace safety, by offloading heavy lifting and repetitive strain tasks

·       Adaptability, enabling robots to work in varied settings without major infrastructure changes

From Prototype to Production

To scale beyond prototypes, Figure AI built BotQ, its in‑house production facility. BotQ handles assembly, testing, and refinement, allowing engineering updates from the field to be quickly incorporated into new units. This tight integration accelerates development and prepares the company for higher‑volume manufacturing.

Looking Ahead

Figure 02 is still developing, but each deployment adds new abilities. The company’s roadmap includes household applications: laundry, dishwashing, and other daily chores. If it succeeds, humanoid robots could follow the same adoption arc as the washing machine or the elevator — moving from novelty to everyday utility. The aim is not to replace people, but to let them focus on work that demands creativity, judgment, and human interaction.