Figure AI Unveils Figure 03: A Versatile Humanoid Robot for Home and Industry

Figure AI's New Humanoid Robot Can Fold Your Clothes, Do the Dishes

When he's not battling bugs and robots in Helldivers 2, Michael is reporting on AI, satellites, cybersecurity, PCs, and tech policy. Don't miss out on our latest stories. Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google. The day that humanoid robots wash the dishes and do the laundry may be closer than you think. On Thursday, Figure AI introduced its next-generation robot, Figure 03, taking its technology beyond factory floors to the home. "Figure 03 is a general-purpose humanoid robot for every day," the California startup said. In a video, it showed off the new model performing a wide range of chores at home, including watering plants, serving food, folding clothes, and tidying up a room. The robot is able to see and execute the complex actions through "Helix," the company's AI-powered system, which can control the robot in real-time, without following a predetermined script, the startup says. Figure was previously using OpenAI's models but has since ditched them for the company's own proprietary technology. In one demo, the 132-pound robot is able to pick up a cup and dish from the living room, walk over to the kitchen sink, and carefully rinse them with water from the faucet. Figure 03, which stands at 5 feet 6 inches tall, then opens the dishwasher and places the cup and dish inside. The video portrays Figure 03 as a cutting-edge robot butler, which can wirelessly recharge itself through its feet by standing on a platform. The robot can also run for up to 5 hours on a single charge. Figure's founder and CEO, Brett Adcock, added that "nothing in this film is teleoperated," indicating that the robot is operating without any remote assistance. It's an impressive feat considering a typical house has numerous obstacles, perhaps more than a factory setting, which the older model, Figure 02, was designed for. The big questions are how much Figure 03 will cost and when it'll be available. For now, the company hasn't said, but notes that the new robot model can be built at a "lower manufacturing cost" compared with the previous models. Adcock also told Time Magazine: "We want the robot to be able to do most things in your home, autonomously, all day... We're not there yet. We think we can get there in 2026, but it's a big push." For now, the company plans to offer Figure 03 to select partners for testing. The robot has also been designed for commercial applications. The company's video shows it delivering a package, working on an assembly line, and even acting as a waiter at a restaurant, which might spark fears about Figure robots taking human jobs. Figure's Master Plan currently says, "These robots can eliminate the need for unsafe and undesirable jobs -- ultimately allowing us to live happier, more purposeful lives." To improve Figure 03, the company notes that the robot now comes with an "embedded palm camera" in each hand, giving it "close-range visual feedback during grasps." "These cameras allow Helix to maintain visual awareness even when the main cameras are occluded (i.e. when reaching into a cabinet or working in confined spaces) and enable continuous, adaptive control in real time," the company wrote in a blog post.

Watch: Figure 03 - The Model T of robots?

Figure AI has given us a look at its idea of the robotic equivalent of the Model T as it rolls out its Figure 3 humanoid robot - the company's third-generation bipedal autonomous machine designed for general purpose work that's built for mass production. For aficionados of the history of technology, the Ford Model T is one of the great stand outs. It was so revolutionary that Aldous Huxley made it the object of veneration in his 1932 dystopian novel Brave New World. True, it wasn't by any means the first motor car, nor was it the first to be offered to the general public. However, it was the first aimed directly at the heart of the mass market and explicitly designed for mass production by assembly line. In some rough ways the humanoid robot field is a bit like that of early automobiles. It's still the preserve of cutting-edge engineers and hobbyists, and one day soon we'll likely see upmarket luxury models sold alongside heavy industrial versions, but the real breakthrough will come when a practical humanoid robot shows up to take its place alongside the robotic vacuum and Furby. That appears to be in the collective mind at Figure AI with Figure 03. According to the company, this latest of the humanoid line is designed to execute tasks normally performed by humans and acquire knowledge through direct learning and interaction. In addition, it's expected to do so not only in the home, but in warehouses, hotels, and other common settings. Based on Figure 02, Figure 03 uses Figure's proprietary Helix vision-language-action artificial intelligence system to learn and carry out tasks alongside humans. Because this raises major safety issues, the new robot incorporates washable soft external materials and eliminates exposed machined parts as well as a 9% weight reduction and smaller volume compared to the Figure 02. Its wirelessly-charged internal battery meets UN38.3 standards. Along with working in the domestic and commercial sectors, Figure 03 is also designed for mass production. Many of the parts are die-cast and injection molded rather than formed by CNC machining to save both cost and production time. Because of this, Figure estimates that the new bot will be built at a rate of 12,000 units a year, with a later production target of 100,000 units over four years through a new supply chain at the company's BotQ facility in San Jose, California. Added to AI, Figure 03 has a number of other features. It has a new sensor suite with a 60% wider field of view per camera and hands that can sense a pressure of only a few grams. There are also cameras in each hand's palm to help with grasping tasks and the processor can handle large visual data flows in complex real-world surroundings. Meanwhile, a new auditory system provides better sound recognition and response. For the fashion conscious, Figure 03 can even be provided with changes of clothing so that the livery meets the occasion. As for data, each robot has a wireless data feed when standing at its charging station. This all sounds very impressive and the videos of Figure 03 in action certainly look like that future we were promised but never seemed to arrive. It moves with a slow grace in a wide variety of settings, and can effortlessly interact with humans and devices like washing machines made for human operators. These latter two are particularly important because the main advantages of a humanoid robot are its ability to work in human environments, work with human machines, and to work with humans smoothly, safely, and without setting off Terminator vibes. That being said, such images still need to be taken with a grain of salt. We've seen many videos in recent years of robots doing spectacular things, but they can be deceptive when one learns that an impressive back flip is the extent of a robot's parkour routine. With Figure 03, we see images of a humanoid robot doing the dishes, serving drinks, or working at a hotel reception desk and our minds tend to fill in the gaps and assume the robot is acting like a human because it has full human capabilities and not something with its own special limitations, such as, theoretically, stopping dead if a glass isn't where it's supposed to be or handing a menu to thin air when a customer doesn't act as intended. At any rate, if Figure 03 or some cybernetic soulmate does reach the market, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Figure 03 might be the home robot that changes everything - if it ever goes on sale

There's no timeline for the availability of home introduction Watching Figure 03 clean, fold laundry, fill a dishwasher, serve, and play with the family dog, I was struck by the still uncanny blend of human-like activity and fundamental inhumanness. It's that mix that makes this moment so pivotal. We are on the precipice of a home humanoid robot revolution, and Figure AI might be leading the slightly discomfiting, unsteady way. Figure AI unveiled its latest robot update on Thursday (October 9) with a lengthy video and a designation as one of Time Magazine's Best Innovations of 2025. They're featuring Figure 03 on the cover, which I think oversells the robot's potential for home use and, even Time admits, "Figure 03 will not be ready for home use upon its release." It's not that Figure AI hasn't made significant progress on its five-foot, six-inch automaton. The all-electric Figure 03 looks and works differently from its predecessor, Figure 02, which was introduced just over a year ago. Much of Figure 03's enhancements are specifically designed for better, safer home use. Even the look of it is softer and less out of place in a household setting; almost the entire body is now covered in a soft mesh fabric. The fully-articulated hands are also fabric-covered and even include palm cameras that give each hand a wide-angle view of its target and activities (there's also a camera in the head). The finger tips are also softer, with each finger featuring the company's new tactile sensor. These features likely account for Figure 03's ability, as shown in the video, to collect plates from a table and then carefully sweep debris with one hand while catching it with the other. Those new hands and cameras probably make it possible for Figure 03 to effectively, if awkwardly, fold a shirt as well as slowly rinse dishes and place them in the dishwasher. Its body looks human, but for some tasks, it's often half-crouched in ways that would cause most humans severe back trouble. For all we know, the algorithms may say this is the best way for Figure 03 to work. Figure AI made the new robot with 9% less mass for better home maneuverability. In the video, we see it walk off its wireless charging station (it's rated for five hours of operation per charge), and then navigate what I'd describe as an expansive, open-plan home (good luck, for instance, in my cluttered home). There is also some more foam in the robot joints to avoid pinching human fingers. I notice how carefully the robot moves in the home video. It's slow (2.6mph) and a bit plodding. Perhaps this is by design and for safety. In the factory portion of the video, Figure 03 appears to work much more quickly. While Figure AI didn't demonstrate this in the video, Figure 03's rapid development is propelled in part by generative AI, and it features a "vision-language-action AI" according to the company. It uses OpenAI models and Nvidia's robotics stacks to help it understand spoken commands and the world around it. It's hard to imagine Figure 03's quick rise to a near-home robotics helper without the ongoing Generative AI revolution. Numerous questions remain about Figure 03. Figure AI has offered no timeline for home delivery. In fact, it's likely that Figure 03 will arrive at the factory first. Pricing in any market is a question mark, though you should expect it would be in the tens of thousands of dollars. Figure Ai faces stiff competition from Tesla Optimus, Unitree G1, and Boston Dynamics Atlas, among others. Yet none of them are anywhere close to being in the home. As Figure AI admitted last year when it first unveiled Figure 01, "We face high risk and extremely low chances of success." That might well be said for the entire humanoid robotics industry, at least in the short term. In the long term, though, there is an increasingly good chance that future generations will consider home robotic helpers like Figure 03 the norm, even if we still find them creepy as hell.

Watch Figure's new robot help around the home, and yes you'll want one

Figure AI has just unveiled the latest version of its humanoid robot, and it looks mighty impressive. As we deduced from the teaser footage released earlier in the week, the new robot, Figure 03, is geared toward helping around the home. A video (top) released by the California-based company on Thursday shows Figure 03 clad in some rather fetching knitwear, presenting a more homely feel compared to the mechanical look of its predecessor. Marvel at how the robot prepares a dishwasher, waters the plants, tidies a room, loads a washing machine, folds the laundry, serves drinks, and ... well ... is there anything this robot butler can't do? Probably not, as it's designed to work with Helix, Figure's proprietary vision-language-action AI. So if it's presented with a task that it hasn't already been trained for, it can learn it. So yes, unblocking a toilet could become one of its talents, too. Figure 03 comes with an improved head-based vision system to help it better understand its environment. It also has embedded palm cameras that allow visual feedback when the view from the main cameras is blocked. It also features enhanced audio hardware, with larger, more powerful speakers and a better-positioned microphone for improved speech processing. Newly designed hands are part of the package, too, with forces as low as 3 grams able to be detected, enabling delicate grip control. The new robot charges wirelessly by stepping onto a charging mat, so it can power up by itself as needed throughout the day, enabling pretty much continuous operation. Notably, Figure 03 has been designed for mass production, which will help to reduce costs. "Moving from Figure 02 to Figure 03 required redesigning nearly every component of the robot with manufacturability and cost in mind," the company said. "The mechanical and electrical engineering teams aggressively reduced part count, assembly steps, and any components that were not absolutely critical to meet design requirements." It's also built a dedicated manufacturing facility called BotQ that's designed to scale robot production. The facility will have an initial production capacity of up to 12,000 humanoid robots per year, with the goal of producing 100,000 robots over the next four years. Figure said that while Thursday's launch focuses primarily on the robot's capability for the home, it's still aiming to put the robot in the workforce, performing tasks like picking and packing, sorting, and handling heavy items. But as ever, the big question is, "When can I buy one of these and how much will it cost?" Digital Trends has reached out to Figure for more information and we'll update this report when we hear back.

Figure 03: The Best Inventions of 2025

The Figure 03 is a humanoid robot with a lofty goal. The company that makes it, Figure AI, wants to build a machine in the form of a human being, and put the bots to work across the global economy -- including in homes. Upon its launch this October, the Figure 03 was capable of doing some domestic tasks like folding clothes and loading a dishwasher, but not without help (it can load the machine, but a human needs to start the wash and help if it drops something). Still, the company has embarked on a mass data collection drive to train the robots' Helix neural network to better complete more types of tasks. CEO Brett Adcock says robotics is on a similar curve to digital AI -- suggesting that big capability jumps are coming. He aims to have the Figure 03 in select homes next year.

Figure Unveils its Third-Generation Humanoid Robot Figure 03 | AIM

Figure's BotQ plant will initially produce up to 12,000 humanoid robots per year, with a target of 100,000 units over four years. Figure AI, a California-based humanoid robotics company, has launched its latest humanoid robot, Figure 03, which is designed for home, commercial, and large-scale use. The company announced that the new model integrates improved hardware, AI capabilities, and a system built for mass manufacturing. The robot is built around Helix, Figure's proprietary vision-language-action AI launched in February this year, and aims to perform human-like tasks. "There's no path to scaling humanoid robots without AI. That's why we built Figure 03 around one goal -- to enable true reasoning throughout the world using Helix," the company said in the announcement. Brett Adcock, the founder and CEO of Figure, said, "By the way, nothing in this film is teleoperated." Figure 03 includes a redesigned sensory suite and hand system to improve visual awareness and dexterity. Each fingertip sensor can detect as little as three grams of pressure, allowing the robot to handle delicate or irregular objects. For domestic use, the model comes with multi-density foam protection, soft textiles, wireless charging, and an improved audio system for speech interaction. The battery system has achieved UN38.3 safety certification, with multiple safeguards against malfunction. On the commercial side, the robot offers faster actuators, tactile sensing, and inductive charging for near-continuous operation. Customisable features, such as side screens and uniforms, are available for businesses managing fleets. To produce Figure 03 at scale, Figure has created BotQ, a dedicated high-volume manufacturing facility. The plant will initially produce up to 12,000 humanoid robots per year, with a target of 100,000 units over four years. The company redesigned nearly every component from the previous model, reducing part counts and shifting to mass-production methods like die-casting and injection moulding. "Each Figure 03 unit now costs dramatically less to build, with the economics improving as volumes grow," the company stated. By integrating Helix with advanced tactile sensors and scalable manufacturing, Figure says the new model sets the foundation for general-purpose robotics in both homes and workplaces.

This Startup's New Humanoid Robot Is Scarily Good at Doing Chores

Figure, which has already wowed the tech world with the amazing dexterity of its humanoid robots, just revealed a brand new updated android, dubbed 03. And there's just one word that describes watching it in action: uncanny. Looking for all the world like CGI from a sci-fi movie, Figure 03 strolls confidently into view in a promotional video the company's founder Brett Adcock shared on LinkedIn. But it's not CGI. This robot is real. In a press release explaining the new machine's advances, Figure explains that the machine has been designed exclusively around the company's proprietary AI model, Helix, which the company revealed back in February after ending a partnership deal with OpenAI. The two big upgrades to the new robot are its vision and its manipulators -- oh, let's just call them hands shall we? You'll see why when you watch the video. Its main head-based cameras, equivalent to our human eyes, have a higher frame rate, lower latency and a much wider field of view: It lets the machines send better visual data to the Helix AI, which the company says is "essential for intelligent navigation and precise manipulation in complex, cluttered spaces such as homes." Figure 03 also has a new trick that we bet you've thought would be a neat thing to have in real life: eyes on its hands. There are new cameras in the robot's palms which means it has "visual awareness even when the main cameras are occluded (i.e. when reaching into a cabinet or working in confined spaces)." The bot's hands also have new pressure sensors, which are "sensitive enough to register the weight of a paperclip resting on your finger," allowing it to better grapple fine-textured materials, and detect if an object it's holding will slip out of its grasp. The fingertips are also softer, and more adaptive so they've got more surface area for touching things -- much like your own squishy, but sensitive organic fingertips. The body's also been cushioned with foam at strategic points for safety -- you wouldn't want someone's human fingers to get jammed in a robot arm joint, for example -- and it is fabric-covered so its whole body is softer, not hard metal or plastic. So what can the new robot do? Figure's promo video makes it very clear that this machine is perfect as a house assistant. Watching it fold a T-shirt is mind-boggling, as is watching the robot throw clothes into a washing machine -- nudging items just that little further in with a fingertip when they lay across the door seal, just like you would. 03 is also shown delivering drinks, like a butler. But it's not just about butlering. Figure's video shows 03s acting as receptionists in smart office environments (wearing a swanky, smart robot "suit" no less), acting as a robo-postal worker delivering parcels, and also working in a factory. Figure 03 is also, the company promises, its first robot "engineered from the ground-up for high-volume manufacturing." Every part was redesigned so instead of being carefully and methodically machined as bespoke experimental engineering prototypes, it can be manufactured using typical production line techniques and tools. If that sounds to you like Figure is taking a leaf out of Tesla's playbook, you may not be wrong. Elon Musk has more or less pitched the entire future of Tesla as being about the manufacture and sale of its Optimus humanoid robot -- and mass manufacture is very much on the cards for Optimus, with Musk's engineers no doubt leveraging the expertise they've gained from building EVs by the hundred thousand, and even from the way SpaceX is mass-manufacturing its Starship rockets. And there's a not-so subtle dig in Adcock's LinkedIn post which is aimed squarely at Tesla: He notes that "by the way, nothing in this film is teleoperated," meaning the bots in the video, while trained by watching humans in action, were actually working on their own. When Tesla held a splashy press event last year to show off Optimus prototypes, a minor scandal erupted when it later emerged many of the machines weren't running on their own AI system, but instead were being puppeted by remote human operators. Lastly, why is Figure 03 uncanny? Its slick, deft movements are approaching the line where if you saw it at a glance you may have to think twice as to whether it's actually alive or not. Take a look for yourself at the video in this link or below.

New Figure 03 Humanoid Robot Design to Be A Home AI Assistant & More

What if the future wasn't just a distant dream but standing right in front of you, walking, talking, and even helping with your daily tasks? Meet Figure 03, a new humanoid robot that promises to redefine the boundaries of what machines can do in our lives. With its state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and advanced sensory systems, this third-generation marvel doesn't just mimic human behavior, it improves it. From delicately handling fragile objects to seamlessly integrating into homes and workplaces, Figure 03 is more than a machine; it's a bold step toward a world where robots aren't just tools but trusted companions. But what makes Figure 03 truly stand out isn't just its capabilities, it's the vision of a scalable, accessible future where robotics are woven into the fabric of everyday life. In the video below the Figure development team showcases innovative features that make Figure 03 a fantastic option in humanoid robotics. From its Helix AI system, which combines vision, language, and action with unparalleled precision, to its thoughtful design prioritizing safety and adaptability, Figure 03 is a testament to how far robotics has come, and where it's headed. You'll discover how its tactile sensors, lightweight construction, and customizable features make it a versatile solution for both domestic and industrial applications. But beyond the specs, this is a story about the future of human-robot interaction and the promise of machines that don't just work for us but work with us. Could Figure 03 be the bridge to a more seamless, collaborative future? Let's take a closer look. At the heart of Figure 03 lies Helix, a proprietary vision-language-action AI system that drives its adaptability and precision. Helix seamlessly integrates with an advanced sensory suite, including an upgraded vision system capable of delivering higher frame rates, reduced latency, and an expanded field of view. Embedded palm cameras provide close-range visual feedback, allowing the robot to handle objects with unparalleled accuracy. Complementing the vision system are first-generation tactile sensors, which deliver high-fidelity touch sensitivity and durability. These sensors allow Figure 03 to navigate complex environments, interact with objects, and respond effectively to dynamic scenarios. Whether it's delicately picking up fragile items or performing repetitive industrial tasks, the robot's AI and sensory systems ensure consistent, reliable performance. This combination of intelligence and precision positions Figure 03 as a versatile tool for a wide range of applications. Figure 03 is carefully designed with safety and practicality in mind, making it an ideal companion for home use. Its lightweight frame, soft textiles, and multi-density foam construction minimize the risk of injury during interaction. The robot's battery system incorporates multi-layer protection and holds UN38.3 certification, making sure safe and dependable operation. Wireless inductive charging further enhances usability by allowing autonomous recharging without manual intervention. To improve the user experience, Figure 03 features customizable clothing options and washable soft materials, allowing it to blend seamlessly into household environments. Its upgraded audio system supports natural voice interaction, making communication intuitive and efficient. From assisting with daily routines to performing household chores, Figure 03 is designed to be a safe, practical, and adaptable companion for modern living. Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on humanoid robots. Figure 03 is engineered for mass production, using innovative manufacturing techniques to ensure cost-effective scalability. The BotQ production facility, currently capable of producing 12,000 units annually, is set to expand its capacity to 100,000 units within four years. Advanced processes such as die-casting and injection molding streamline production while maintaining high-quality standards. Vertical integration of critical components enhances efficiency by reducing reliance on external suppliers and making sure consistent quality. This approach positions Figure 03 as a commercially viable solution, ready for large-scale deployment across diverse industries. By combining advanced technology with scalable manufacturing, Figure 03 is prepared to meet the growing demand for humanoid robots in both domestic and professional settings. In commercial and industrial environments, Figure 03 demonstrates exceptional adaptability and efficiency. Its faster actuators, featuring improved torque density, enable the robot to handle items with ease, while enhanced sensory and tactile systems allow for precise manipulation. These capabilities make Figure 03 well-suited for tasks such as inventory management, assembly line operations, and logistics. The robot's inductive charging system supports near-continuous operation, maximizing productivity in demanding environments. Additionally, businesses can customize Figure 03's appearance and functionality through tailored uniforms and side screens, aligning the robot with their branding and operational needs. This flexibility makes Figure 03 a valuable asset across industries ranging from retail to manufacturing, offering practical solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. Figure 03 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of humanoid robotics, bridging the gap between experimental prototypes and scalable, deployable solutions. By integrating advanced AI systems, robust sensory technology, and efficient manufacturing processes, it offers a practical and adaptable solution for a wide range of applications. Whether in homes, businesses, or industrial settings, Figure 03 is designed to enhance productivity, safety, and convenience, paving the way for a future where humanoid robots become an integral part of everyday life.