I’m sorry if by the time you are reading this article, you lost your job to AI robots.

Figure 01, a groundbreaking creation by Figure, marks a pivotal shift in technological advancements, embodying the fusion of over 100 years of combined expertise in AI and humanoid robotics from industry giants like Boston Dynamics and Tesla. As Figure aims to address labor shortages and reduce risk in hazardous jobs, the question arises: is Figure 01 poised to enhance our lives or compete for our jobs?

With capabilities that promise to transform industries and the backing of Brett Adcock’s vision to mobilize billions of humanoid robots, Figure 01 stands at the forefront of a debate between automating for efficiency and the potential displacement of traditional jobs. As we delve deeper into the features, innovations, and societal impacts of this AI humanoid, the narrative of automation versus human labor unfolds, challenging us to rethink the future of work and human collaboration.

Features and Capabilities of Figure 01

Key Features of Figure 01:

Humanoid Form and Mobility:

• Height: 5 feet 6 inches; Weight: 132 pounds, enabling human-like presence and interaction.
• 41 degrees of freedom (DoF) with rotary motors at major joints for dynamic movement, including walking and task performance.
• Torque-controlled walking for real-world navigation, enhancing its ability to work alongside humans.

Cognitive Abilities and Task Performance:
It is Equipped with a Visual Language Model (VLM) for high-level visual and language intelligence, developed in collaboration with OpenAI. It is Capable of seamless conversations, object identification, real-time query response, and decision-making without human intervention. It Can learn and perform tasks autonomously, including new actions from video observation.

Application Across Industries:
It has Versatile use cases in manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, retail, and caregiving, with potential for architectural construction on other planets. It is Designed to address labor shortages and reduce risk in hazardous jobs, aiming to enhance productivity and safety.

Technological Innovations Behind Figure 01

At the heart of Figure 01’s groundbreaking capabilities lies a synergy of advanced technologies, spearheaded by its collaboration with OpenAI and Microsoft, and underpinned by innovative engineering practices.

OpenAI Collaboration:
Figure 01 Utilizes a Visual Language Model (VLM) for unparalleled visual and language intelligence, allowing for seamless human interaction. It Employs OpenAI’s powerful language systems for processing both visual and textual information, making interactions more natural and intuitive.

Advanced Engineering Techniques:
Figure 01 Achieves dynamic bipedal walking through torque-controlled walking, enhancing real-world navigation and interaction capabilities. It also Incorporates ‘whole body reasoning’, including natural arm swing and torso motion, for more fluid and lifelike movements.

Integration of Cutting-edge Technologies:
Figure 01 Leverages Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform for running its sophisticated AI algorithms and neural networks, enabling real-time processing and decision-making capabilities. It Combines Long-Short Term Memory (LLMs) and visuomotor transformers to process visual data and translate it into coordinated actions, showcasing the robot’s advanced cognitive abilities.

Through these technological innovations, Figure 01 embodies the pinnacle of current AI and robotics advancements and sets a new benchmark for the future development of autonomous humanoid robots, poised to revolutionize various industries and aspects of daily life.

Impact on Humanity: Liberation or Subjugation?

The advent of Figure 01 AI robot and similar technologies brings a dichotomy of potential outcomes for humanity, swinging between the extremes of liberation and subjugation. Here’s how:

Potential for Empowerment and Subjugation:
A majority, 63%, anticipate AI like Figure 01 to enhance human capacities, promising a future where technology empowers us to reach new heights. Conversely, 37% foresee a reduction in human autonomy and agency, sparking concerns over AI’s dominion over traditional roles and decision-making processes.

Jobs and Employment Landscape:
AI could automate up to 300 million full-time jobs by 2030, with sectors such as customer service, accounting, and retail facing the highest automation risk. Despite the automation threat, AI is also poised to create new job opportunities, necessitating a shift towards acquiring new skills and embracing lifelong learning.

Societal Impacts and Ethical Considerations:
AI holds the promise of solving complex global challenges, including climate change and healthcare, enhancing productivity and access to education. The rise of AI also brings forth ethical questions regarding consciousness, rights, and the potential misuse of technology for malicious purposes.

The Future With AI Humanoids

As Figure 01’s cognitive prowess and autonomy set the stage for a transformative era in AI-driven robotics. With over 100 years of combined AI and humanoid experience, the team behind Figure 01 has crafted a robot that not only performs tasks autonomously but also learns and evolves, marking a leap forward in AI integration. This evolution raises crucial questions about intellectual property (IP) and the need for robust strategies to protect these technological innovations, ensuring they benefit humanity while fostering collaboration.

Future Prospects of Humanoid Robots:

They can Work alongside humans in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and emergency response, enhancing efficiency and safety. They can Assist the elderly and disabled, providing companionship, and performing caregiving tasks, thereby improving quality of life. They can improve our understanding of human movement, intelligence, and performing tasks in dangerous or remote environments, from deep-sea exploration to planetary construction.

The future of AI in society teeters on a fine balance between positive advancements and potential ethical dilemmas. It is imperative that as AI continues to advance, society engages in proactive discussions and develops strategies to harness the benefits of AI-driven robotics like Figure 01, while addressing and mitigating any negative consequences. This approach will ensure that the evolution of humanoid robots like Figure 01 not only marks a technological milestone but also paves the way for a future where humans and AI coexist harmoniously, leveraging each other’s strengths.