Figure AI's humanoid robots, powered by its internal Helix-02 AI system, have completed a record endurance test, sorting packages autonomously for more than 24 continuous hours.
The California-based startup reports that three of its humanoid robots-nicknamed Bob, Frank, and Gary by online viewers-processed over 28,000 small packages during a livestreamed test. The original goal was an eight-hour run, but after no failures, the company continued the operation.
The robots relied on Helix-02, a neural network combining vision, touch, and movement control, to detect barcodes and place packages on a conveyor belt. CEO Brett Adcock emphasized that all actions were autonomous, with no remote steering.
Figure AI highlighted a key feature: automatic resets. If a robot encounters an error, Helix-02 can restart and resume the task, potentially reducing downtime in real-world logistics operations. The company sees this as a breakthrough for warehouse automation.
While the test shows promise, experts note the need for independent verification. Real-world warehouses involve unpredictable conditions-varying package shapes, jams, and human traffic-that go beyond controlled demos.
Figure AI is already testing its robots at BMW's South Carolina plant, positioning itself alongside rivals like Tesla, Agility Robotics, and Apptronik. The company's demo suggests humanoid robots may soon handle repetitive tasks in industrial settings, raising both efficiency and job concerns.