The company Figure has unveiled its latest humanoid robot, Figure 02, which uses OpenAI for natural-speech conversations.

One of the big selling points of the first iteration of this robot was its ability to effectively work alongside human co-workers on a factory floor. Figure 02 is equipped with speakers and a microphone to communicate with and listen to surrounding human workers.

Neural networks such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini are highly sought after in the robotics industry for their natural language capabilities. Equipping robots with this type of AI network adds transparency to the robots’ actions while helping humans instruct the robots.

Communication is crucial for humanoid robots, designed to move freely without a safety cage. Combined with vision and proximity sensors, communication helps to ensure these large metal contraptions can navigate the worksite safely.

In recent months, Figure began pilots with BMW and debuted a video displaying an earlier, tethered version of the robot autonomously performing tasks with the help of neural networks. The company also noted that Figure 02 has visited the automaker’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, facility for data collection and training purposes.

Another video released by Figure shows the robot’s slow, bent leg gait as it moves across the floor of what appears to be a demo area. Two other robots appear in the background, lugging totes.

Communication is one aspect of what Figure refers to as a “ground-up hardware and software redesign” between 01 and 02. The list also includes six RGB cameras coupled with an onboard visual language model, improved CPU/GPU computing, and improved hands with 16 degrees of freedom.

Though Figure 02 hasn’t released a timeline for its official rollout, the company has hinted at its future plans, stating, “Figure’s robot combines the dexterity of the human form with advanced AI to perform a wide range of tasks across commercial applications and, in the near future, the home.”