Figure, a burgeoning robotics firm, has launched its Figure 01 humanoid robotic and demonstrated its skill to stroll on two legs in a public setting for the primary time.
Over the previous yr, Figure has skilled speedy progress, increasing to a crew of 60 workers with experience spanning numerous engineering domains, together with AI, controls, embedded software program, electrical, mechanical, actuator design, battery expertise, integration, and testing. In May 2023, the corporate secured a $70 million funding spherical and managed to develop the robotic in simply over 12 months.
The Figure 01 robotic showcases a elegant metallic exterior, a departure from the simulated variations seen in earlier illustrations. It’s price noting that the product’s end might bear additional refinements earlier than its launch. Notably, the robotic options articulated joints with rotary motors, and it incorporates a backpack to accommodate its battery.
A fast breakdown of the levels of freedom (DoF) on this robotic consists of 7 DoF within the arms, 3 DoF within the waist, 6 DoF within the legs, ankles, and toes, 0 DoF within the head, and 6 DoF within the palms, amounting to a complete of 41 DoF. The palms are outfitted with 4 fingers and an opposable thumb, and the phalanges have a simplified two-bar design. The foot and ankle make use of an easy articulating platform.
One exceptional achievement is the speedy growth of dynamic bipedal strolling inside a yr, touted as one of many swiftest turnarounds in humanoid robotics historical past. Figure 01 employs torque-controlled strolling, guiding the robotic by specifying torque at its joints relatively than dictating its velocity or route. This strategy enhances the robotic’s adaptability to real-world eventualities, notably when interacting with folks and performing business-related duties.
The robotic receives high-level instructions concerning its motion velocity, subsequently autonomously managing features like stability, foot placement, and hand motion to keep up stability amid exterior disruptions or adjustments in floor elevation. The Figure crew has additionally been engaged on “whole body reasoning,” incorporating pure arm swinging and attaining torso and pelvis movement by regulating angular momentum, relatively than following predetermined paths.
Additionally, Figure is concurrently growing manipulation capabilities for the robotic’s arms, palms, and fingers, which can run independently from the strolling and navigation features. The firm’s building of an indication warehouse at its Sunnyvale headquarters signifies that Figure 01’s major market alternative upon its 2024 launch is anticipated to be in logistics and warehousing.
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