Figure AI, previously known for its performance in industrial environments, is now extending its robots' capabilities to domestic tasks. A recently released video by the company showcases a Figure 02 robot meticulously folding clothes and arranging the folded items into a basket. While this task may seem trivial to humans, it presents a significant challenge for robots due to the variable shape and inconsistent nature of clothing.

This task requires advanced computer vision and flexible task planning, which sets Figure's robots apart. In the demonstration, the Figure 02 robot was able to fold 10 towels in approximately three minutes, showcasing its efficiency. The company had previously shared a video of its robots removing dirty laundry from a hamper and placing it into a washing machine, addressing another aspect of the laundry process that is often tedious for humans.

While other companies like Tesla (with its Optimus robot) and 1X (with its NEO robot) have demonstrated similar capabilities, Figure AI asserts that it is the only company able to perform this task autonomously and adapt to the initial position of each garment. The company utilizes the same Helix AI architecture used for logistics tasks, but it has been trained with different datasets specifically for domestic chores.

Key Indicators

What this signals for the market/industry: This represents a significant advancement in domestic robotics, signaling the approaching era of robots capable of performing complex everyday tasks. These capabilities are opening new horizons in the smart home appliance and automated cleaning services market.
Leading indicators and data: The Figure 02's ability to fold 10 towels in 3 minutes, along with its adaptability to various garment positions, are strong indicators of progress in robotic perception and the handling of non-rigid objects.

Regional Perspective

Unique angle and local implications: While this innovation is global, the ability to automate domestic chores could have significant implications in regions experiencing labor shortages in the domestic services sector, or where demand for convenience and time-saving technology is rising. The adoption of these technologies could reshape lifestyles and increase productivity in households.

Analysis

Figure AI's progress in folding clothes indicates that humanoid robots are nearing the achievement of a high degree of dexterity and autonomy in household tasks. The focus on learning through neural networks and observing human videos, as Tesla is also doing, significantly accelerates the robot training process. This advancement is not just about user convenience but also points to broader potentials for robots in areas like elder care and home assistance. The future challenge will be making these technologies affordable and widely applicable in ordinary homes, while ensuring user safety and effectively handling a wide range of clothes and fabrics.