This article discusses the author’s experience visiting the headquarters of Figure AI, a startup that is working on creating humanoid robots. The author describes witnessing a humanoid robot attempting to load laundry, but struggling with the task as it dropped a piece of clothing twice and was unable to pick it back up. Despite the limitations of the robot, Figure AI has recently announced their newest humanoid robot, the Figure 03, to great industry fanfare. The launch of the Figure 03 highlights the optimism and competition in the AI and robotics industry as companies strive to create viable humanoid robots.
Figure AI has become one of Silicon Valley’s most valuable and buzziest startups, recently raising $1 billion at a $39 billion valuation. The company’s goal is to become the biggest business on the planet, and their work on humanoid robots is a key part of that vision. The author notes that the Figure 03 was featured on the cover of TIME magazine as part of their Best Inventions of 2025 issue, bringing attention to the company and their advancements in robotics. However, the author’s firsthand experience with the humanoid robot loading laundry revealed that it still has limitations and is not as reliable as portrayed in company videos and blog posts.
The author’s reporting aims to provide a more realistic and balanced view of Figure AI’s robots, which are not yet available for purchase. By sharing their firsthand experience with the humanoid robot, the author hopes to offer a more grounded perspective on the capabilities and limitations of Figure’s technology. Despite the excitement surrounding the launch of the Figure 03 and the advancements in AI that have made humanoid robots more achievable, the author’s experience highlights that there are still challenges and limitations to overcome in creating truly functional and reliable humanoid robots.
The competition in the AI and robotics industry is fierce, with many companies vying to create the world’s first viable humanoid robot. Figure AI’s success and valuation demonstrate the high stakes and potential rewards of this endeavor. While the author’s experience with the humanoid robot loading laundry revealed its limitations, it also underscores the progress that has been made in AI and robotics technology. As companies like Figure AI continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the future of humanoid robots and their potential impact on society remains an exciting and evolving area of innovation.
