Stay-at-home bots: Figure 03 humanoid robot can fold laundry, wash dishes

Figure AI has unveiled its Figure 03 humanoid robot, a 5-foot-6-inch, 132-pound machine designed to perform household chores like folding clothes, washing dishes, and tidying rooms. The California startup positions this as a significant leap from factory automation to everyday home assistance, powered by its proprietary “Helix” AI system that enables real-time decision-making without predetermined scripts.

What you should know: Figure 03 represents a major advancement in autonomous household robotics, operating independently without remote human control.

• The robot can perform complex sequences like picking up dishes from a living room, walking to the kitchen, rinsing them at the sink, and loading them into a dishwasher.
• It runs for up to 5 hours on a single charge and wirelessly recharges by standing on a platform through its feet.
• Figure ditched OpenAI’s models in favor of developing its own proprietary AI technology to power the robot’s capabilities.

Key technical improvements: The new model incorporates enhanced visual perception systems for better manipulation in confined spaces.

• Each hand now features an “embedded palm camera” that provides close-range visual feedback during grasps.
• These cameras maintain visual awareness even when the main cameras are blocked—such as when reaching into a cabinet or working in tight spaces—enabling continuous adaptive control.
• The robot can navigate typical household obstacles more effectively than its factory-focused predecessor, Figure 02.

Commercial applications: Beyond household use, Figure 03 is designed for various commercial roles that could reshape labor markets.

• The demonstration video shows the robot delivering packages, working on assembly lines, and serving as a restaurant waiter.
• Figure’s Master Plan states these robots “can eliminate the need for unsafe and undesirable jobs — ultimately allowing us to live happier, more purposeful lives.”

Timeline and availability: CEO Brett Adcock outlined ambitious goals for widespread deployment while acknowledging current limitations.

• “We want the robot to be able to do most things in your home, autonomously, all day… We’re not there yet. We think we can get there in 2026, but it’s a big push,” Adcock told Time Magazine.
• The company plans to offer Figure 03 to select partners for testing before broader availability.
• Figure hasn’t disclosed pricing but notes the new model can be built at “lower manufacturing cost” compared to previous versions.

What they’re saying: Company leadership emphasizes the robot’s autonomous capabilities as a key differentiator.

• “Nothing in this film is teleoperated,” Adcock stated, indicating the robot operates without remote human assistance.
• The company describes Figure 03 as “a general-purpose humanoid robot for every day,” marking its expansion beyond industrial applications.