Figure AI's robots can make a bed faster than you

If making your bed feels like a chore you dread every morning, Figure AI might just have the solution for you. In a recent demonstration, two of the company's humanoid robots entered a sleek, minimalist bedroom and showcased their bed-making skills. One robot hung up a coat, while the other closed a laptop and neatly placed headphones aside. The duo then moved to their respective sides of the bed, expertly adjusting pillows and smoothing out the comforter. Through a series of head nods, they coordinated their movements, completing the task in under two minutes. This impressive feat highlights the potential for autonomous robots to effectively collaborate in human environments. In a blog post, Figure AI described this achievement as a significant step toward a future where intelligent humanoids work together to accomplish shared objectives. Although making a bed may seem simple for humans, it presents unique challenges for robots. Figure AI identified three main difficulties: first, the necessity for the robots to understand each other's actions rather than merely working in parallel; second, the fluid nature of the comforter, which lacks a fixed shape or clear division; and third, the need for the robots to navigate the room and switch between tasks smoothly. Corey Lynch, Figure AI’s Director of AI, emphasized that the robots communicated solely through visual cues and performed all tasks autonomously without any external control. This demonstration was captured at normal speed to showcase their capabilities. To achieve these complex tasks, Figure AI trained its Helix 02 model on new data, allowing the robots to handle additional responsibilities, such as opening doors and moving furniture. While the company has raised over $1 billion and boasts a valuation of $39 billion, it has not yet announced when these humanoids will be available for consumer purchase. As competition intensifies, notably from Tesla’s development of its own humanoid robot, Optimus, Figure AI is pushing forward. The firm recently ended its partnership with OpenAI, pivoting to focus on its vision of creating a new breed of robots capable of learning and sharing knowledge. With ongoing demand for AI training from robotics companies, the future of household chores could very well be in the hands of these advanced machines.