Figure AI tackles workplace safety for robots
As humanoid robots become more common in workplaces, concerns over their safety are growing. Figure AI is addressing this challenge by launching a dedicated safety centre.
Figure AI has announced the creation of the Centre for the Advancement of Humanoid Safety, a new initiative aimed at ensuring humanoid robots can operate safely in workplaces. Led by former Amazon Robotics safety engineer Rob Gruendel, the centre will focus on testing AI-controlled robots for stability, human detection, and navigation to minimise accidents.
The rise of humanoid robots in warehouses and factories has sparked concerns about their potential risks. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which were confined to cages, these machines move freely among workers, raising safety questions. Existing solutions, such as Amazon’s wearable safety vest and Veo Robotics’ vision-based systems, have helped, but regulation remains largely absent.
Figure AI plans to release regular safety reports detailing its progress, testing methods, and solutions for potential hazards. As companies push to integrate humanoid robots into daily operations, and eventually, into homes, the need for clear safety standards is becoming increasingly urgent.