OpenAI collaborates with Figure for humanoid robot voice conversations | Generative ai Examples | Introduction to Generative ai Google | What is the Classification of Chatgpt Within Generative ai Models | Turtles AI

 Figure 02: Figure’s New Humanoid Robot in Collaboration with OpenAI

Key points:
1. Collaboration with OpenAI: The partnership resulted in $675 million in funding.
2. Natural Language Capability: Equipped with speakers and microphones for effective communication with humans.
3. Pilot Projects with BMW: The robot has already visited the Spartanburg plant for training and data collection.
4. Advanced Technology: Six RGB cameras and improved hands with 16 degrees of freedom.

Figure recently unveiled its latest humanoid robot, Figure 02, an evolution of the previous Figure 01 unveiled in 2023. The debut of the new model was accompanied by a teaser video, which attracted interest due to a presentation more reminiscent of that of modern consumer electronics products than a technical demonstration of the robot in action. In a second video, released Tuesday, the robot could be seen moving with a slow, bent gait in a demonstration area set up in Figure’s offices, with two other robots visible in the background intent on carrying bags, suggesting immediate applications in carrying objects.

 Collaboration and Funding
A notable aspect of the Figure 02 launch is the partnership with OpenAI, which played a crucial role in enabling Figure to raise $675 million in Series B funding in February, valuing the South Bay company at $2.6 billion. This collaboration reflects a growing interest in the use of neural networks in robotics, with a particular focus on humanoids.

 Communication Capabilities.
Figure 02 is equipped with speakers and microphones to facilitate interaction with humans, improving the transparency of robot operations and making it more intuitive for human operators to give instructions. This is especially relevant for robots designed to move freely without traditional safety cages.

 Safety and Sensors
Safety remains a priority because, despite their anthropomorphic design, these robots are still large and heavy machines. Figure 02 integrates vision and proximity sensors that, combined with natural language capabilities, provide an additional layer of operational safety.

 Partnerships with BMW and Other Pilot Projects.
Figure has already initiated pilot projects with BMW. In June, the company showed a video of a preliminary version of the robot performing tasks autonomously on the plant floor, supported by neural networks. Recently, the robot visited the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, for training and data collection purposes. Other industry players, such as Agility, Apptronik and Sanctuary AI, are conducting similar projects with other automakers.

 Technical Innovations
The transition from Figure 01 to Figure 02 involved a complete hardware and software redesign. Figure 02 has six RGB cameras and an integrated visual language model, thus improving CPU/GPU processing capabilities. The robot’s hands, with 16 degrees of freedom, have been optimized for greater agility and precision.

 Versatility of the Hands
The design of robotic hands is a debated topic in the humanoid world. Figure has chosen to use human-like hands for its robots, despite criticism related to their delicacy and engineering complexity. However, the dexterity of human hands represents an ideal model of agility and functionality.

 Future Perspectives
Although there is not yet an exact timeline for a broader launch of Figure 02, the company suggests a future in which the robot can operate not only in warehouses and factories, but also in commercial and domestic settings. The combination of the dexterity of the human form with advanced AI makes Figure 02 a promising candidate for a wide range of applications.