Figure AI's Initiative for Enhancing Humanoid Robot Safety at Work

As the race to integrate humanoid robots into workplaces accelerates, discussions on safety often take a backseat. Major companies, including Amazon, Mercedes, and BMW, have announced pilots for deploying these robots in factories and warehouses, but the essential dialogue surrounding employee safety tends to be overshadowed by the hype of innovation.

In response to this oversight, a Bay Area robotics company, Figure AI, has taken significant steps to prioritize safety in its robotic advancements.

Figure AI recently revealed plans to establish a Center for the Advancement of Humanoid Safety, a dedicated division aimed at addressing safety concerns related to humanoid robots. Leading this initiative is Rob Gruendel, a former safety engineer at Amazon Robotics, who shared details on LinkedIn.

Historically, factory robots have been enclosed in cages to mitigate safety risks. More modern solutions focus on technology, such as advanced computer vision and innovative software, alongside wearables like a safety vest developed by Amazon to prevent collisions with human workers.

While Amazon’s innovation is tailored for use within its fulfillment centers, the company continues to implement protective barriers for many of its robotic units. Meanwhile, Veo Robotics, known for its safety technology, became a part of Symbotic in 2024, which now oversees Walmart’s robotics initiatives.

Though humanoid robots are appreciated for their adaptability and capacity to coexist with human workers, they introduce fresh safety challenges due to their large, metal frames. In active warehouse environments, these machines can potentially collide with workers, raising concerns about injuries.

Currently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lacks specific regulations for the robotics sector, highlighting a crucial need for updated safety standards. The lack of targeted industry guidelines, particularly for humanoid robots, increases the urgency for improved safety measures.

Figure AI is keen on filling this regulatory gap. Gruendel noted, "One of our recent achievements was finalizing a formal plan with our OSHA-recognized independent testing laboratory to certify our robot’s battery, functional safety control system, and electrical system to meet industrial standards." This represents a substantial step towards enhancing safety protocols in the robotics field.

Melonee Wise, who became the Chief Technology Officer at Agility Robotics in 2023, highlighted the paramount importance of safety when dealing with humanoid robots. She stated during a panel discussion at the Automate conference that many humanoid robots lack easy stop mechanisms, which poses significant safety risks that various companies seem to overlook.

The establishment of the Center for the Advancement of Humanoid Safety illustrates Figure AI's commitment to addressing these safety concerns head-on. Gruendel expressed that they aim to remain transparent and accessible, engaging with their customers on safety aspects.

Specifically, Figure AI plans to assess various safety dimensions, including the robot's stability while standing, moving, the ability to detect humans and pets, and safe navigation to minimize injury risks. The company has also pledged to document and share insights from their tests, informing stakeholders about their successes and challenges in achieving safety benchmarks.

By committing to regular updates, Figure AI hopes to build trust with its customers and the wider industry. They are positioning themselves not just as innovators in robotics but as leaders in establishing essential safety standards.

The progression in humanoid robot safety will be crucial as industries aim to further incorporate these robots into human-centric environments, including homes. The upcoming advancements in safety regulations tailored for humanoid robots signify an essential development for broader automation in society.

safety, robots, technology