The future of home robotics is arriving sooner than expected. Figure, a leading robotics company, has announced that it will begin “alpha testing” its humanoid robot, Figure 02, in home settings by late 2025. This marks a significant shift from industrial applications to household assistance.
How Figure’s AI-Powered Robot Will Function in Homes
Figure’s accelerated timeline is due to its advanced AI model, Helix. This Vision-Language-Action (VLA) system allows the robot to process visual data and natural language, enabling it to learn tasks faster. The company recently showcased robots performing household duties, such as food preparation, hinting at their future capabilities.
Why the Home Environment Is a Challenge
Unlike factories and warehouses, homes are unpredictable. They have different layouts, lighting conditions, and obstacles like pets, children, and stairs. Few robotics companies have prioritized the home due to these complexities. Norwegian startup 1X is one of the rare exceptions.
Figure acknowledges these challenges, which is why its home testing phase in 2025 will be in early stages. The company is expected to refine its robots’ abilities before any commercial release.
From Factories to Homes: Figure’s Strategic Shift
Initially, Figure focused on industrial deployment. In early 2024, it started testing humanoid robots in a BMW plant in South Carolina. Industrial settings provide structured environments, making them ideal for early trials. However, the long-term vision includes robots assisting in homes, particularly for aging populations in countries like Japan and the U.S.
What Is Figure and What Does It Do?
Figure is a Bay Area-based robotics startup focused on developing AI-powered humanoid robots. The company aims to create robots capable of performing complex tasks in both industrial and domestic settings. By prioritizing AI learning and adaptability, Figure is pushing the boundaries of what humanoid robots can achieve.
The Future of Home Robotics
Other major players, such as Tesla and Apptronik, have also shown interest in bringing robots into homes. The potential is vast, from household chores to assisting elderly individuals in living independently. However, affordability and adaptability remain key challenges for mass adoption.
Figure’s decision to start home testing in 2025 signals a new era for humanoid robots. While it is still in its early stages, this development brings us one step closer to a future where AI-powered assistants become a part of everyday life.
