Will Figure 03 be the "T Model" of humanoid robots?

The humanoid robot startup Figure AI is attempting to usher in a new era. Its latest release, the third-generation humanoid robot Figure 03, is designed for mass production and is expected to become the "Ford Model T" of the robotics field.

On October 9th, Eastern Time, Figure AI, founded by serial entrepreneur Brett Adcock, launched its third-generation humanoid robot Figure 03. According to the company, this is a general-purpose humanoid robot designed to perform everyday human tasks, with applications spanning multiple fields such as homes, warehouses, and hotels. Compared to previous models, Figure 03 has made significant improvements in artificial intelligence systems, sensor suites, and human-machine interaction safety.

For investors, the most important signal from Figure 03 is its clear pursuit of large-scale production. The company stated that Figure 03's design heavily utilizes die-casting and injection molding processes to replace the time-consuming and expensive CNC machining. The new robot is estimated to have an annual production capacity of 12,000 units, with plans to expand to 100,000 units within the next four years.

Just a month ago, this company, which was founded only three years ago, announced the completion of over $1 billion in Series C financing, with a post-investment valuation reaching $39 billion, making it the highest-valued humanoid robot unicorn in the world. The influx of capital provides ample ammunition for Figure 03 to transition from prototype to mass-market product, raising market expectations to new heights.

Designed for Mass Production

Similar to the early development of automobiles, the current humanoid robot field remains the domain of cutting-edge engineers and enthusiasts. However, Figure AI is attempting to break this situation with Figure 03, aiming not to create a niche "luxury model," but to become the first truly mass-produced product designed for assembly line production, targeting the general market like the Ford Model T.

To achieve this goal, Figure 03 has undergone fundamental changes in production processes. Many components of the robot utilize die-casting and injection molding processes instead of traditional CNC machining. Based on a new supply chain and the BotQ factory located in San Jose, California, Figure estimates that the new robot's annual production capacity will reach 12,000 units, with plans to achieve a production target of 100,000 units within four years. This extreme pursuit of mass production is a prerequisite for it to become the industry's "Model T."

Technological Iteration: Safer and Smarter

To enable robots to work smoothly and safely alongside humans in shared environments, Figure 03 has undergone a series of significant technological upgrades at both hardware and software levels.

In terms of design and safety, the Figure 03 body is covered with washable soft materials and eliminates exposed mechanical parts, reducing its weight by 9% and making it more compact compared to Figure 02. The newly added side display on its head can be used for brand display or status recognition, while the replaceable "knitted jacket" shell meets personalized needs in different scenarios.

In terms of core AI and perception systems, the robot is equipped with Figure's proprietary Helix visual-language-behavior AI system. The field of view of the head camera has been expanded by 60%, the frame rate has doubled, and the latency has been reduced to a quarter. Notably, a wide-angle camera is also built into the palm position of the dexterous hand, providing close-range visual feedback for grasping tasks. The self-developed tactile sensors on the hand are sensitive enough to detect a tiny pressure of just 3 grams, allowing for stable gripping of fragile or irregular objects.

Additionally, the robot has been comprehensively optimized in actuators, energy, and data transmission. The performance of the actuators has doubled, achieving faster speeds and higher torque density. Its internal battery complies with UN38.3 international certification, and the soles support wireless charging, allowing it to autonomously return to charging stations based on battery levels. Meanwhile, the robot supports 10Gbps millimeter-wave high-speed data uploads, facilitating continuous learning and collaborative optimization across the entire robot group.

Capital Favor and Market Testing

Figure AI was founded by serial entrepreneur Brett Adcock in 2022 and has rapidly risen in just three years. The Series C financing announced in September 2025 not only made it the highest-valued humanoid robot company globally but also injected ample funds for the mass production and application of Figure 03.

Although the company's demo videos showcase Figure 03 interacting smoothly with humans and common household appliances in various scenarios, the market remains cautious. As one analyst noted, the robot demo videos may be misleading; a beautiful backflip does not equate to complete mobility capabilities. For Figure 03, the market's focus is on its adaptability in the uncontrolled real world when faced with unexpected situations (such as items not being in their designated places).

Ultimately, whether Figure 03 can become the "Model T" of the humanoid robot era does not depend on impressive demonstrations, but on its ability to prove its practical value and economic viability in the market. For investors, the real test lies in its conversion rate from demonstration to actual commercial deployment