Overview
Figure 1 (and its successor Figure 02) represents the vanguard of the 2026 Embodied AI market. Built upon a foundation of end-to-end neural networks and integrated with OpenAI's large-scale vision-language models (VLM), Figure's architecture enables robots to see, hear, and reason in real-time. The hardware features a human-centric design with 16 degrees of freedom in the hands and high-torque electric actuators, allowing for precise manipulation in unstructured environments like automotive factories and logistics hubs. By 2026, Figure has transitioned from R&D prototypes to commercially deployed units, primarily focusing on the 'Robot-as-a-Service' (RaaS) model. Their technical stack utilizes advanced onboard inference to process complex sensory data with sub-millisecond latency, allowing the robot to self-correct during tactile tasks. Positioning itself as a solution for the labor shortage in manufacturing, Figure integrates seamlessly with existing WMS and ERP systems via specialized middleware, marking a shift from purpose-built robotics to general-purpose autonomous labor.