Figure AI CEO Brett Adcock says the robotics company is building 'a new species'

At the recent Dreamforce conference, Brett Adcock, the CEO of Figure AI, shared his ambitious vision for the future of robotics, which he describes as 'building a new species.' In a captivating discussion with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, Adcock speculated about a world where robots could not only replicate themselves but also communicate and share knowledge. Adcock drew parallels between his vision and concepts found in science fiction literature, particularly referencing the book 'We Are Legion (We Are Bob)' by Canadian author Dennis E. Taylor. He expressed excitement over the potential for self-replicating machines, akin to von Neumann probes, that could explore space, mine resources, and ultimately contribute to the colonization of other planets. He confidently stated, "I think it will happen in our lifetime." The robotics sector is witnessing fierce competition, especially from figures like Elon Musk, whose own company Tesla is developing a humanoid robot named Optimus. This rivalry has intensified, with Musk and OpenAI, co-founded by Sam Altman, embroiled in legal disputes over allegations of intellectual property theft and harassment. Figure AI recently unveiled its third-generation humanoid robot, Figure 03, designed to assist with household tasks, although it is not yet available for public use. During the conference, Benioff pondered the future appearance of robots—whether they will take on human-like features or adopt more mechanical forms, similar to those seen in the 'Transformers' franchise. The debate over robot design continues, as illustrated by companies like Diligent Robotics. This Austin-based startup has created Moxi, a wheeled robot that efficiently performs essential tasks in healthcare settings without the need for legs. Diligent Robotics cofounder Vivian Chu noted that simpler designs may ultimately prove more practical for various applications, hinting at a future where robots could take on forms that prioritize functionality over human likeness.