WASHINGTON – A humanoid robot developed by Figure AI made a rare public appearance at the White House this week, standing alongside Melania Trump during a technology-focused summit that underscored the growing political and commercial interest in artificial intelligence.
The robot, known as Figure 03, is the latest generation in the company’s lineup and was presented as part of a broader push to showcase how AI-powered machines could play a role in education and daily life. During the event, the robot greeted attendees in multiple languages and introduced itself as a U.S.-built humanoid system.
The demonstration, while partly symbolic, reflects a wider shift. Humanoid robotics—once largely experimental—is increasingly being positioned as a strategic technology, both in the United States and abroad, as competition intensifies with countries like China investing heavily in similar systems.
Figure AI, founded in 2022 by entrepreneur Brett Adcock, has moved quickly to position itself among emerging players in the field. Its robots are powered by “Helix,” an in-house AI system designed to combine vision, language and physical action—allowing machines to learn tasks through observation and voice commands.
The company has drawn strong backing from major technology investors, including Nvidia, as well as support from firms tied to Intel Capital, Qualcomm Ventures and Salesforce. A recent funding round raised more than $1 billion, valuing the startup at roughly $39 billion, highlighting investor appetite for what is often described as “physical AI.”
Unlike earlier prototypes, Figure 03 is being pitched as a multi-purpose robot capable of operating in homes as well as commercial environments. The system includes redesigned sensors, upgraded hands and embedded cameras that allow it to maintain visual awareness even during complex manipulation tasks.
The robot also features wireless charging, improved voice interaction and enhanced battery safety systems—details that point to a product being shaped not just for demonstration, but for eventual deployment at scale.
Figure AI has already begun early commercial work with BMW, using its robots in manufacturing tasks such as handling sheet metal parts. The company says it ultimately aims to deploy thousands of units across logistics and household settings in the coming years.
Priced at around $25,000, Figure 03 enters a field that is quickly becoming more competitive. Rivals include Tesla, which is developing its own humanoid robot, Optimus, as well as established robotics firms like Boston Dynamics.
For now, the White House appearance signals something more immediate: humanoid robots are no longer confined to labs or factory floors—they are beginning to step into the public spotlight.
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