Skip to content

Figure AI the details of the plan to improve the safety of the humanoid robot in the workplace

Security is often overlooked in the hurry to bring humanoid robots to the workplace. As high profile corporations ranging from retailers such as Amazon Automobile manufacturers such as Mercedes and BMW They have announced humanoid pilots for factories and warehouses, conversations on workers’ safety are buried regularly under the exaggeration of the industry.

A robotics firm from the Bay area expects to correct that deficit.

Figure AI announced Tuesday that it is building a center for the advancement of humanoid security, an internal division fully focused on the subject. Rob Gruendel, the former Amazon Robotics Security Engineer who directs the project, revealed the plans Through a LinkedIn post.

The previous factory and warehouse systems addressed the safety problem when it is caged in large and heavy robots. Subsequent solutions have resorted to technology, including advanced computer vision, software developed by I see roboticsand a Security vest Designed by Amazon to help prevent robots from crashing against people.

Amazon laptop is designed only for internal use and will probably not appear outside its own compliance centers. Even with that technology, the company still uses protective cages for many of its own robots. I see robotics, meanwhile, it was Symbotic absorbed in 2024. More recently, Symbotic Ha Taken the reins of the Walmart Robotics Division.

Image credits: nvidiaImage credits:Nvidia

Although valued for its adaptability, multipurpose functionality and the ability to integrate into Brownfield storesThe humanoid factor introduces a new set of security concerns. After all, one of the key points of sale in the category is their ability to work with humans. Its large metal bodies, which are freely within factories and warehouses, have the potential to cause injuries when colliding with their softest and most fleshy colleagues.

Security organizations in the workplace, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, have a lot to do in terms of automation safety regulation. Today, there are no “specific OSHA standards for the robotics industry.” According to the Federal Agency. This broader concern must be addressed, but the regulation specifically aimed at humanoids is especially timely.

Figure AI is reaching that gap.

“One of our recent successes was to finish a formal plan with our OSHA Recognized Independent Test Laboratory to certify the battery of our robot, the functional security control system and the electrical system to industrial standards,” Grudendel said in the position of ads.

Agility Robotics Digit in Gxo
Image credits: Agility RoboticsImage credits:Robotics of agility

The founder of Fetch, Melonee Wise, has made the humanoid security issue a key approach from join the robotics of agility as director of Technology in 2023.

“With any humanoid robot that operates in this space, security is not clear,” he told me During a humanoid panel At the automatizing conference last year. “There is no easy stop for [Tesla’s] Optimus There is no stop in many [humanoid robots]And that is against the security standard. It is very clear that many of the companies are not interested in it. “

The creation of the center for the advancement of humanoid security is an important step in that trip for the figure.

“We recognize that the general population is often at the mercy of technology experts to judge whether a robot controlled by AI can be safe,” Gruendel wrote. “We want to talk directly to our customers. We will test and communicate the stability of the robot while they parked, stability while moving, the detection of humans, the detection of four -legged pets, insurance behaviors and navigation to avoid injuries. We will listen to our clients’ suggestions about ways to prove the security of Figure 02 and beyond. “

ATLAS IN ACTION OF BOSTON DYNAMICS IN ACTION
Image credits: Boston DynamicsImage credits:Boston dynamics

The figure plans to publish quarterly updates that offer more transparency around the process. Reports will include test procedures and corrections for potential hazards.

“We will summarize our successes and failures,” according to Gruendel.

Those successes and failures could finally close the safety gap and prepare the industry for the next great jump: bring robots to the house.

Humanoid safety standards will become increasingly essential as more companies drive to take these robots to the house.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *