Figure 101: Watch how this AI powered humanoid robot learns to brew coffee

The humanoid robot, created by the robotics AI company Figure, has recently acquired the skill of making coffee. This accomplishment was displayed through a video posted online and was made possible through a 10 hour training period using an end to end AI system. The firm claims its humanoid robot, Figure 101, gained an understanding of the coffee making process simply by observing humans perform the task.

The California based startup believes that with the advent of the first humanoid in the workforce, there emerges a newfound potential to enhance productivity, tackle severe labor shortages, and diminish the need for human presence in hazardous occupations. "As we reach the upper limits of our production capability, humanoids will join the workforce with the ability to think, learn, and interact with their environment safely alongside us," said the firm's website.

Founded in 2022 by Brett Adcock, formerly the Founder of Archer Aviation and Vettery, Figure aims to transform the landscape of robotics. Figure encounters formidable competition in this space, as Tesla, , Unitree, and Boston Dynamics continually update their general purpose humanoid robots. Significant progress Figure first unveiled its initial humanoid creation in March 2023, the development of which took place in 12 months.

This innovative robot, dubbed as the the 'world’s first commercially viable autonomous humanoid robot', integrates the agility of the human form with advanced AI, enabling it to execute a diverse array of tasks across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and retail, according to the firm.

While the company has been discreet about specific details regarding its inaugural creation, the website discloses that Figure 101 has a stature of 5'6" and a payload capacity of 44 pounds (20 kilograms). Weighing in at 60 kg, this humanoid robot exhibits a runtime of 5 hours and achieves a speed of 1.2 m/s, all powered by an electric system.

Figure 01 employs torque controlled walking, directing the robot on the torque to apply at joints rather than specifying its location or speed. This approach enhances real world navigation, particularly in human interactions and business operations. The robot receives high level movement commands, focusing on tasks like balance, foot placement, and hand movement, enabling it to walk unaffected by external disturbances or variations in ground height.

In October 2023, the firm released a video that showed Figure 101 demonstrating dynamic bipedal walking ability for the first time. The recent video showcases the robot responding to a request to make coffee using a machine. It recognizes the command and goes out to make the drink. Figure claims that it was able to complete the process by self correcting the mistakes made during initial trials.

Larger mission In the broader scope, Figure envisions its humanoid robots taking on crucial roles in realms beyond, including , providing care for the elderly, and potentially contributing to the construction of new environments on extraterrestrial planets. "There are over 10 million unsafe or undesirable jobs in the U.S.

alone, and an aging population will only make it increasingly difficult for companies to scale their workforces. As a result, the labor supply growth is set to flatline this century. If we want continued growth, we need more productivity — and this means more automation," according to Figure's website.

are poised to revolutionize diverse industries with initial applications focusing on severe labor shortages in manufacturing, shipping, logistics, warehousing, and retail. Figure believes that early tasks will be structured and repetitive, evolving with advancements in robot learning and software to tackle more complex functions.

Notably, humanoids will not be deployed in military or defense roles involving harm to humans. The primary focus is on automating tasks humans prefer not to perform, according to the firm. The firm plans to release Figure 101 this year and help further the mission to automate various tasks to increase productivity.

It believes that AI enabled humanoid robots can "meet the complex human environment with human like capabilities, and provide endless types of support across a variety of circumstances," said the firm's ..