If robots had a beauty contest, Figure 02 would win the “Sympathy Award”. Not because he's particularly friendly, but because his design makes other robots look like they've been assembled from leftover Meccano parts. The second, just announced version of the humanoid robot developed by the company of the same name is thin, elegant and… ready to make us feel obsolete.
Take a look for yourself, then let's get into the specifics.
Figure 02, a robot that makes its "figure"
Let's talk numbers: Figure 02 is made up of "a couple of hundred unique parts and a couple of thousand parts in total." Thus, laconically, the company press release states. It looks like Tony Stark's shopping list. And no, that's not all we see. There are hidden parts that probably prefer to remain hidden. A bit like that drawer in the kitchen where we throw away everything we don't know where to put. It is the first step towards the "normalization" of the humanoid: clean and essential surfaces, away from tubes and out of place piles.
And then the details: if you walk behind Figure 02 on a soft surface, you may notice small “Figure” logos with every step. He has branded shoes, eh. It's as if the robot is saying, “I've been here.” A little presumptuous? Perhaps. But if I had such a cool design, I would probably do it too.
Other things worth noting
Figure 02 boasts interchangeable legs. Not for style reasons, but to facilitate production. It's a bit like having different shoes for every occasion, only in this case the occasion is always “being a super efficient robot”. And we want to talk about soft parts on the elbows and knees? Nobody wants to step on their little finger against a robot: the classic table is enough.
And how are we battery-powered? Here, on this Figure 02 is still a little more oriented towards industry than towards homes. I am trying to say, the battery is replaceable, but it's not as quick as with an older Nokia. Let's say it can be done, but at the moment you need patience, dedication and (maybe) an engineering course.
The thumb motor is now completely contained in the hand. It's like hiding an ace up your sleeve, only in this case the ace is a robotic thumb. Useful for getting likes, a little less for hitchhiking.
Neck “skin” and movements: a touch of class
The neck of Figure 02 it is covered with a soft fabric which maintains a clean and seamless appearance even when the robot moves its head. It's like having a high-tech turtleneck. Tres chic. Torso and shoulders are narrower than other humanoids. The target? Look as much like a human as possible. Because hey, the more you look like a human, the easier it is to steal their job. Oops, I meant “integrate into the environment”.
When Figure 02 turns his head, then, the whole body moves. It's not necessary, it's purely aesthetic. It's like when we pretend to be busy at work by frantically moving the mouse: it doesn't do any good, but it makes us feel better.
Even the pace is starting to seem a lot like "ours". Figure 02 uses a “predictive model controller” to determine where to place your feet and how much force to use. It's like it has a built-in mini GPS and personal trainer. Not bad for someone who doesn't even have muscles.
Yes, but how long does Figure 02 hold up? Autonomy is “sufficiently” human
This is kind of the crux of it all. Yes, good, the functions are good, but if you download it immediately it's of no use, right? Good. With a charge of 2,25 KWh, Figure 02 aims for an autonomy of 5 hours. It's starting to become enough for a part-time workday. Or for a Netflix marathon, if he ever decides to take a break.
In conclusion, Figure 02 is a fascinating mix of advanced engineering and attractive design. It's the kind of robot that makes you think, “Wow, the future is here!” immediately followed by, “Wait, should I be worried about my job?”
Fear not: however many factories to build them are already ready, we are still far from having these fascinating automatons in our homes. For now, Figure 02 is content to make us dream (or perhaps tremble) thinking about what the future of robotics holds for us. And who knows, maybe one day we will see him compete not only for the Sympathy Award, but for that of “Best Colleague“. Until then, let's continue to watch it with a mix of wonder and a hint of (healthy) concern.
