Figure AI is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to enhance safety in the rapidly advancing field of humanoid robotics. The company announced the establishment of the Center for the Advancement of Humanoid Safety, an in-house division dedicated to addressing the lack of safety regulations in the robotics industry. This move comes as workplace safety organizations, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), struggle to keep pace with automation and the unique challenges it presents.
Despite the growing use of robots in various sectors, OSHA currently lacks specific standards for the robotics industry. To bridge this gap, Figure AI plans to publish quarterly updates that will provide transparency about the ongoing process of testing and improving humanoid safety. At the heart of these efforts is ensuring that robots can operate safely alongside humans and animals in dynamic environments. The Center will focus on testing stability during movement and while stationary, human and animal detection, safe artificial intelligence behaviors, and navigation techniques designed to prevent injury.
Rob Gruendel, the former Amazon Robotics safety engineer now leading this project at Figure AI, emphasized the importance of these developments. He expressed concern over the current lack of "stop" mechanisms in many humanoid robots, a critical feature necessary for adhering to safety standards. Gruendel highlighted the need for companies to prioritize safety, stating:
“There isn’t an easy stop for [Tesla’s] Optimus. There isn’t a stop on many [humanoid robots], and that is against the safety standard. It’s very clear that many of the companies are not interested in it.” – Rob Gruendel
The Center aims to collect feedback from customers and incorporate their suggestions into testing procedures for Figure 02 and future models. This collaborative approach underscores Figure AI's commitment to advancing humanoid safety standards. Gruendel acknowledged the responsibility held by technology experts in assessing AI-controlled robots' safety:
“We recognize that the general population is often at the mercy of the technology experts to judge whether an AI-controlled robot can be safe,” – Rob Gruendel
The move towards improved safety aligns with broader industry trends. High-profile corporations such as Amazon, Mercedes, and BMW have each announced humanoid pilots for their factories and warehouses. However, safety conversations often get overshadowed by industry hype. Amazon has introduced a wearable robot intended solely for internal use within its fulfillment centers, while Veo Robotics' software advancements have been absorbed into Symbotic, which now leads Walmart's robotics division.
Melonee Wise, Fetch founder and now Chief Technology Officer at Agility Robotics since 2023, has made humanoid safety a central focus. Her efforts align with Figure AI's mission to enhance safety protocols within the industry.
Gruendel also outlined plans for the Center to communicate its progress transparently:
“We will summarize our successes and failures,” – Rob Gruendel
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