Figure 01 vs Figure 02: What’s New in the Next Generation of Humanoid Robotics

As the robotics world watches Figure AI push the boundaries of humanoid design, the debut of Figure 02 marks a significant leap from its predecessor, Figure 01. Both robots are part of the company’s vision to introduce general-purpose humanoids into the workforce—but the differences between the two signal how rapidly this vision is evolving into reality.

Design Evolution and Build

Figure 01 introduced the world to the company’s foundational humanoid platform—sleek, bipedal, and capable of basic mobility and manipulation tasks. It was a proof-of-concept, focusing on balance, walking, and simple object handling. Figure 02, however, shows a polished and more refined body structure, with improved materials and joint designs that provide greater fluidity of motion and enhanced range of articulation.

Performance and Intelligence

The leap in onboard AI and perception systems is perhaps the most noticeable difference. While Figure 01 relied heavily on remote operation and limited autonomy, Figure 02 integrates end-to-end neural networks for perception and decision-making. This allows it to understand its environment with higher accuracy, anticipate human behavior, and perform more complex tasks with minimal supervision.

Hands, Tools, and Manipulation

In the transition to Figure 02, hand design has been drastically improved. The new robot features upgraded dexterity, allowing for more precise grip strength, better object recognition, and the ability to handle a wider range of tools and products—key for its planned deployment in logistics, retail, and manufacturing environments.

Voice and Interaction

Figure 02 also takes a step forward in natural language processing and voice interaction. It supports conversational interfaces powered by large language models, enabling smoother communication with humans and more seamless task execution in dynamic settings.

Commercial Readiness

Where Figure 01 was a platform for internal testing and iteration, Figure 02 is designed with real-world deployment in mind. Its increased durability, modular components, and improved safety features indicate it’s closer to mass production and commercial rollout.