Brett Adcock, the founder and CEO of robot maker Figure, believes that his company will become one of the most important businesses in the world. With a recent funding of over $750 million and partnerships with companies like BMW and OpenAI, Figure is making strides in the development of humanoid robots. Adcock envisions a future where humanoid robots will become common in households, performing tasks like laundry, cooking, and more, ultimately becoming a generalizable replacement for human labor.
Despite the ambitious goals, Figure still faces significant challenges. During a recent visit to Figure’s offices, it was observed that the robots are still a work in progress, with issues such as walking being a hurdle to overcome. Adcock remains optimistic, aiming to have Figure’s robots working in BMW’s Spartanburg factory within the next 12 to 18 months, albeit in low volumes. The process of teaching the robots new tasks is also time-consuming, requiring engineers to repeat actions with the robot multiple times.
The rise of AI-powered humanoid robots is a growing trend in the robotics industry, with companies like Tesla, Agility Robotics, 1X, and Apptronik working on similar projects. The advantage of humanoid robots lies in their ability to work alongside humans in environments designed for humans. Companies like BMW are exploring the use of mobile humanoid robots in areas that are dark, dirty, dull, and unsafe, showcasing the potential of this technology in various industries.
Adcock’s journey to founding Figure has been unconventional, with previous successes in ventures like Vettery and Archer Aviation. His experience in the fields of business and aviation has shaped his approach to the robotics industry, where he now leads a team of 90 employees with expertise from top tech companies. Despite his past achievements, Adcock faces skepticism and challenges in the competitive world of robotics, where success is never guaranteed.
With a recent funding round of $675 million, Figure has outpaced its competitors in terms of funding, signaling confidence from investors in the company’s vision. Adcock’s networking skills and relationships with key industry players like OpenAI and Nvidia have played a significant role in securing funding and partnerships. As Figure continues to grow and expand its team, the future of humanoid robots in various industries looks promising, although the road to success is still filled with obstacles and uncertainties.
Ultimately, the success of Figure and its humanoid robots will depend on overcoming technical challenges, reducing production costs, and proving the practical viability of these robots in real-world applications. Adcock remains confident in his vision for Figure, believing that humanoid robots will revolutionize the way humans interact with technology and perform tasks. As Figure continues to make advancements in the field of robotics, the possibility of a future where humanoid robots are commonplace in various industries and households becomes increasingly tangible.
