In a significant stride for the field of artificial intelligence and robotics, the startup Figure has unveiled its third-generation humanoid robot, Figure 03. This latest iteration represents a comprehensive redesign of both hardware and software, purpose-built to be the company's first mass-producible humanoid, aiming for applications in both industrial and eventually, domestic settings.[1][2] The announcement signals a pivotal moment for the industry, moving beyond expensive, time-consuming prototypes toward scalable, general-purpose robots intended for real-world deployment. Figure has articulated a bold vision for its new machine, backed by substantial manufacturing plans and high-profile investors, positioning itself as a formidable competitor in the rapidly accelerating race to develop functional humanoids.

At the core of Figure 03 is a complete technological overhaul designed for advanced AI integration and interaction with the physical world.[1] The robot is powered by Helix, the company's proprietary vision-language-action AI model, which enables it to learn directly from humans and reason about its environment.[1][3] Supporting this AI is a fully redesigned sensory and hardware suite. The new vision system features a camera architecture that delivers double the frame rate, one-quarter of the latency, and a 60% wider field of view compared to its predecessor, Figure 02.[1][3] This allows for high-frequency visuomotor control, crucial for navigating complex and dynamic spaces. A key advancement lies in the robot's completely redesigned hands, which now include embedded palm cameras and highly sensitive tactile sensors.[4] These custom fingertip sensors can detect forces as small as three grams, a sensitivity fine enough to register the weight of a paperclip, enabling the robot to handle fragile or irregular objects with dexterous control.[1][4] Practicality and continuous operation have also been engineered into the design, with the inclusion of wireless inductive charging coils in the robot's feet, allowing it to autonomously step onto a charging stand.[1][4] Furthermore, an upgraded audio system with a more powerful speaker and repositioned microphone aims for more natural speech-to-speech communication.[1]

A central pillar of the Figure 03 launch is the company's strategic focus on mass production. Figure asserts that its new humanoid is the first in its lineage to be engineered from the ground up for high-volume manufacturing.[1][5] This was achieved by establishing an entirely new supply chain, redesigning components for efficient industrial processes like die-casting and injection molding, and vertically integrating the production of critical modules such as actuators, batteries, and sensors.[6][5] Production will be centered at Figure's new manufacturing facility, named BotQ, which has an initial capacity to produce up to 12,000 humanoid robots per year.[4][7] The company has set an ambitious target of scaling this to 100,000 units within four years.[8][6] This push for scalability is not just about numbers; Figure envisions a future where its own humanoid robots will participate in the manufacturing process, assembling other robots in a "flywheel effect" to increase capacity and drive down costs.[7][9]

Figure 03 is explicitly designed to serve a dual role, bridging the gap between demanding industrial environments and the nuanced complexities of the human home.[1][8] For commercial and industrial applications, the robot features actuators that are twice as fast as previous models with improved torque density, enabling it to pick and place items at speeds comparable to human labor.[1][10] The enhanced sensory suite and manipulation capabilities make it suitable for a variety of tasks in logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing.[8] Indeed, its predecessor, Figure 02, has already been deployed in 10-hour shifts at a BMW factory in South Carolina, providing a proof of concept for the robot's commercial viability.[2][9] Concurrently, Figure 03 has been optimized for safety and usability in domestic environments.[8] It features a 9% reduction in mass compared to Figure 02, has a smaller volume for easier maneuvering in household spaces, and is covered in soft, washable textiles and multi-density foam to protect against pinch points and impacts.[1][11][10] While the company has demonstrated the robot performing domestic chores like loading a dishwasher, it acknowledges that full autonomy in the home is a significant challenge, with a target of 2026 for this capability.[2][9]

The unveiling of Figure 03, backed by over $1 billion in investment from entities including Nvidia, Jeff Bezos, Microsoft, and Brookfield, marks a critical inflection point for Figure and the broader AI industry.[2][12][13] The robot is more than an incremental update; it is a statement of intent to transition humanoid robotics from a research endeavor to a commercial reality at an unprecedented scale. By tackling the immense challenges of hardware design, AI integration, and high-volume manufacturing simultaneously, Figure is making a compelling case for a future where general-purpose humanoid robots are an integral part of the global economy. While the path to billions of humanoids working alongside people in factories and homes is long and fraught with challenges, the launch of Figure 03 is a definitive and ambitious step toward that transformative vision.[2]