Imagine a future where doing laundry is a thing of the past. A couple of weeks ago, we witnessed something remarkable: Figure’s humanoid robot flawlessly picked clothes from a laundry basket and effortlessly placed them in a washer. It was impressive, to say the least.
Recently, Figure released another video that tantalizingly hints at a life free from this mundane chore. In the latest clip, the very same robot folds freshly washed towels and neatly stacks them away.
Based in California, Figure claims to have developed the world’s first humanoid robot capable of folding laundry “fully autonomously.” A statement that will likely resonate with many: “Where can I get one?” We’ll dive into that later.
To perform the folding task, Figure 02 utilizes the same Helix Vision Language Action (VLA) model employed previously for industrial logistics, now fine-tuned with a new dataset specifically for laundry duties.
This robot operates without human intervention or pre-programmed commands, using an end-to-end neural network for its impressive abilities. It showcases sophisticated multi-fingered hands that allow it to pick towels from a pile, execute various folding techniques, recover from errors (like grabbing multiple towels), and handle precision tasks just like a human would.
The video showcases significant advancements in robotics, particularly in the manipulation of flexible objects—a major challenge for engineers. The robot’s ability to handle towels signifies a promising step toward machines that can manage a broader array of tasks involving non-rigid items.
As Figure noted in a recent post, “Folding laundry may seem trivial for people, but it represents one of the most formidable dexterous manipulation challenges for humanoid robots. Towels are deformable, changing shapes, bending unpredictably, and easily wrinkling or tangling. Success necessitates more than precise vision; it demands finely-tuned finger control to trace edges, pinch corners, and adapt in real-time.”
While Figure is currently targeting industrial applications, they are set to begin home tests later this year—an exciting prospect for anyone who dreads laundry day.
As for pricing and availability for individual consumers, those details are still under wraps. For now, many will continue to tackle laundry as usual, but this technology offers hope for a future of ease.
What are the advantages of having a humanoid robot for household chores? The convenience of having a robot manage simple tasks could free up time for more enjoyable activities, enhancing overall life satisfaction.
Are humanoid robots like Figure affordable for everyday consumers? Currently, pricing details remain undecided, but interest in such technology could drive more accessible options in the future.
When can we buy the humanoid robot from Figure? At this moment, the company has not released details about sales, but they are expected to share updates as home testing progresses.
How do humanoid robots compare to traditional household appliances? Unlike appliances that serve single functions, humanoid robots can potentially tackle multiple chores, adapting to various tasks and learning new ones over time.
As technology continues to advance, it’s clear that the landscape of household chores is evolving. Explore more mind-blowing innovations and stay updated by visiting Moyens I/O.