US-based robotics startup Figure AI has introduced its most capable humanoid robot, the Helix 02. This AI-powered robot has been developed to autonomously perform everyday household chores such as cleaning rooms, handling dishes, and organising items around the home. According to the company, Helix 02 runs on a unified neural system that allows it to complete tasks like a full living room clean-up sequence without human intervention.
The company highlights that Helix 02 is capable of managing domestic tasks, including multi-step activities such as tidying a room, unloading dishes, and organising objects across different areas of a home. In a video demonstration shared online, the robot can be seen walking around a living room, picking up objects from a table, placing items back in their designated spots, and organising the space without receiving step-by-step instructions.
The humanoid even caught the attention of Tesla boss Elon Musk, who is also developing humanoid robots through Tesla’s Optimus project. In his post on X Musk asked whether the robot was operating autonomously or being remotely controlled, to which Figure CEO Brett Adcock highlighted the humanoid has been developed to work “fully autonomous.”
How does Helix 02 work?
Unlike many traditional robots that use separate systems for walking and handling objects, Helix 02 relies on a single neural network to control its entire body. According to the company, this helps overcome the challenge of “loco-manipulation”, allowing the robot to move, balance, and interact with objects at the same time.
Helix 02 uses multiple sensory inputs, including vision systems, tactile sensors, along with proprioception, which gives it the ability to understand the position and movement of its own limbs. All this information is then said to be processed through a unified AI model that controls its actions, enabling the robot to understand its surroundings and respond in real time.
The robot also includes palm-mounted cameras and tactile sensors in its fingertips, allowing it to identify and grasp objects even when they are partially hidden or surrounded by clutter. Figure highlights that these sensors help the robot determine how firmly to hold objects, which allows it to handle even fragile household items.
In addition to organising rooms, the Helix 02 is also capable of managing other domestic chores such as loading dishes, managing laundry, and rearranging household items, tasks that typically require a combination of mobility and dexterous manipulation. In a post accompanying the demonstration, Figure said the robot is designed so that when users leave their home, the system can reset the space exactly as they prefer.
Training of Helix 02
According to the company, Helix 02 uses an AI model trained on more than 1,000 hours of human motion data, reducing the need for large amounts of manually written control software. This training helps the robot develop more natural and stable movements, allowing it to adapt to different situations rather than relying on fixed, pre-programmed actions.
Interestingly, Figure AI is not alone in pursuing the vision of humanoids. Musk’s Tesla is also one of the leading companies who are developing humanoid robots. Tesla is working on its Optimus project, which aims to automate tasks in factories and potentially other environments. According to Musk, humanoid robots powered by AI and machine learning could bring a fundamental and “amazing” transformation to civilisation in the coming years.
