🤖 Robonomy

Figure 02

3 min read

The robot that learned to work by watching people.

Figure 02 is the second-generation humanoid from Figure AI, a California-based startup backed by OpenAI, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and other major tech investors. One of the few humanoids with verified commercial deployments — BMW’s Spartanburg plant has integrated Figure 02 units into production lines.

Specs

AttributeValue
ManufacturerFigure AI (Sunnyvale, California)
Height~168 cm
Weight~60 kg
PowerElectric, rechargeable battery
Hands16 degrees of freedom (human-like dexterity)
VisionRGB cameras + depth sensors
AICustom neural networks trained on human demonstrations
Control MethodAI-assisted autonomous operation with human oversight
AvailabilityCommercial deployments (BMW Spartanburg)
Target MarketManufacturing, logistics, warehouse automation

What Sets It Apart

The hands. 16 degrees of freedom — approaching human-level manipulation. This enables:

  • Grasping and manipulating tools
  • Operating machinery controls
  • Handling irregular objects
  • Fine assembly work

The vision system uses RGB cameras and depth sensors feeding into custom neural networks. Figure AI trained these networks on large datasets of human demonstrations. The robot learns tasks by watching people perform them.

Autonomy: Hybrid

Figure 02 operates at a Hybrid autonomy level. It performs routine manufacturing tasks autonomously — material handling and assembly operations with minimal human intervention. The AI handles object recognition, grasp planning, motion execution, and error recovery.

Human operators remain in the loop for task assignment, exception handling, and safety oversight. Figure AI calls this “AI-assisted autonomous operation” rather than full autonomy.

The company is actively working toward greater autonomy. The production ramp from one robot per day to one per hour (as of May 2026) suggests Figure AI is moving from prototype to scaled deployment.

Commercial Status

Figure 02 is one of the few humanoids with verified commercial deployments. BMW’s Spartanburg manufacturing plant has integrated units into production lines — one of the first cases of a humanoid performing real industrial work at scale.

At one per hour, the company produces approximately 8 robots per day, or ~2,000 per year if sustained. That production scale indicates they’ve solved significant manufacturing challenges.

Combat Relevance

Figure 02 hasn’t participated in combat demonstrations, and Figure AI has shown no interest in combat entertainment. But the capabilities are relevant:

  • Hand dexterity: 16 DOF hands could manipulate weapons or defensive equipment
  • Vision system: Object recognition and tracking could identify opponents
  • Autonomous operation: The AI stack could theoretically be retasked for tactical decision-making
  • Durability: Industrial deployments prove the hardware handles sustained physical stress

The primary barrier to combat application is software, not hardware. Figure AI’s neural networks are trained for manufacturing tasks, not combat scenarios. Retraining would be required.

Limitations

  • Not designed for high-impact environments
  • No combat-specific software or training
  • High cost (estimated 250,000)
  • Requires structured environment for reliable operation
  • Limited to tasks within its training distribution

Investors

  • OpenAI (strategic partner, provides AI models)
  • Microsoft
  • NVIDIA
  • Intel Capital
  • Parkway Venture Capital

This backing gives Figure AI access to cutting-edge AI models, compute infrastructure, and enterprise distribution channels.

Last updated: May 2026 | Autonomy: Hybrid | Primary league: None

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