Figure Will Start ‘Alpha Testing’ Its Humanoid Robot in the Home in 2025 | Techcrunch
Figure is planning to bring its humanoids into the home sooner than expected. CEO Brett Adcock confirmed on Thursday that the Bay Area robotics startup will begin “alpha testing” its Figure 02 robot in the home setting, starting later in 2025. The executive says the accelerated timeline is a product of the company’s “generalist” Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model, called Helix.
This move marks a significant shift towards integrating humanoid robots into domestic environments, potentially addressing societal needs around aging and accessibility.
As Figure's home testing enters its early stages, it remains to be seen how these systems will adapt to the complexities and variability of individual homes, and what implications this may have for their widespread adoption.
The creation of the Protoclone, a humanoid robot capable of remarkably human-like movement, brings science fiction into reality. With its eerily lifelike design and over 1,000 artificial muscle fibers, the machine is set to revolutionize industries such as healthcare and manufacturing. The implications of this development are far-reaching, ranging from assisting individuals with disabilities to serving as lifelike prosthetics for amputees.
As humanoid robotics advances, it will be crucial to address the ethical concerns surrounding its use in various settings, including homes, workplaces, and public spaces.
Can we design robots like the Protoclone with built-in emotional intelligence and empathy, mitigating potential societal risks associated with their increasing presence?
Xpeng Inc. shares rose after the company’s chairman said it plans to start mass production of its flying car model and industrial robots by 2026. The company's ambitions for autonomous vehicles are expected to significantly boost revenue in the coming years. Xpeng's innovative projects have garnered widespread attention from investors and experts alike, sparking interest in the potential impact on the automotive industry.
The rapid development of autonomous technology has significant implications for urban infrastructure, posing questions about public safety, regulatory frameworks, and the need for updated transportation systems.
How will governments worldwide address the complex challenges associated with integrating flying cars into existing air traffic control systems?
China's robotics sector is experiencing a surge in venture-capital investment, with start-ups in humanoid robot development securing nearly 2 billion yuan (US$276 million) in funding in just the first two months of the year. This growth marks a significant increase from the previous year and positions China to potentially rival its electric-vehicle industry in importance. With a strong presence in the global market, Chinese firms are on track to achieve mass production and commercialization of humanoid robots by 2025.
This trend highlights a pivotal moment for China as it consolidates its leadership in robotics, suggesting that the nation may redefine industry standards and global competition.
What implications will the rapid advancement of China's robotics industry have on the workforce and traditional manufacturing sectors both domestically and internationally?
Researchers have developed small robots that can work together as a collective and change shape, with some models even shifting between solid and "fluid-like" states. The concept has been explored in science fiction for decades, but recent advancements bring it closer to reality. The development of these shapeshifting robots aims to create cohesive collectives that can assume virtually any form with any physical properties.
The creation of shapeshifting robots challenges traditional design paradigms and raises questions about the potential applications of such technology in various fields, from healthcare to search and rescue operations.
How will the increasing miniaturization of these robots impact their feasibility for widespread use in real-world scenarios?
Tesla has taken a major step toward launching its long-anticipated autonomous ride-hailing service, filing for regulatory approval in California. It has applied for a transportation charter-party carrier permit from the California Public Utilities Commission, signaling its intent to own and operate a fleet of ride-sharing vehicles in the state. While Tesla’s initial rollout will involve human drivers, the ultimate goal is a driverless robotaxi network.
The success of Tesla's robotaxi service could have far-reaching implications for urban mobility, potentially transforming the way we think about car ownership and public transportation.
Will the benefits of autonomous vehicles outweigh concerns over job displacement, increased traffic congestion, and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect passenger data?
Honor has unveiled a new strategic realignment as it enters the age of AI, introducing highly useful enhancements for its Magic7 Pro camera system and other features. The company's Alpha Plan also includes interoperability with Apple's iOS for data sharing and the industry's first all-ecosystem file sharing technology. Honor's AI Deepfake Detection will be rolled out globally to Honor phones starting in April, while AI Upscale will restore old portrait photos and become available soon on the international release of its Snapdragon 8 Elite flagship.
This new strategy marks a significant shift for Honor as it aims to bridge the gap between Android and iOS ecosystems, potentially expanding its user base beyond traditional Android users.
As phone manufacturers continue to integrate more AI capabilities, how will this impact consumer expectations for seamless device experiences across different platforms?
A mention of GPT-4.5 has appeared in the AndroidIt app, suggesting a full launch could be imminent. The model can currently not be accessed, but its potential release is generating significant interest among users and experts alike. If successful, GPT-4.5 could bring substantial improvements to accuracy, contextual awareness, and overall performance.
This early leak highlights the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology, where even minor setbacks can accelerate development towards more significant breakthroughs.
Will GPT-4.5's advanced capabilities lead to a reevaluation of its role in industries such as education, content creation, and customer service?
ABI Research's latest report outlines a five-year forecast for the tech industry, highlighting significant growth in large language models (LLMs) and data management solutions while predicting declines for tablet demand and smartphone shipments. Emerging technologies like smart home devices and humanoid robots are set to experience robust growth, driven by increased consumer interest and advancements in AI. Meanwhile, traditional tech segments like industrial blockchain and datacenter CPU chipsets are expected to face substantial challenges and market contraction.
This forecast underscores a pivotal shift towards intelligent technologies, suggesting that businesses must adapt quickly to leverage emerging trends or risk obsolescence in a rapidly evolving market.
How might the anticipated decline in traditional tech segments reshape the competitive landscape for established players in the technology sector?
OpenAI has begun rolling out its newest AI model, GPT-4.5, to users on its ChatGPT Plus tier, promising a more advanced experience with its increased size and capabilities. However, the new model's high costs are raising concerns about its long-term viability. The rollout comes after GPT-4.5 launched for subscribers to OpenAI’s $200-a-month ChatGPT Pro plan last week.
As AI models continue to advance in sophistication, it's essential to consider the implications of such rapid progress on human jobs and societal roles.
Will the increasing size and complexity of AI models lead to a reevaluation of traditional notions of intelligence and consciousness?
Waymo's plans to expand into new cities, including Atlanta, Miami, and Tokyo, come as its biggest competitor Cruise has pulled the plug on its robotaxi program. The company is also facing increased scrutiny over safety concerns, particularly after a serious accident in San Francisco. Waymo will need to navigate these challenges while maintaining its focus on public trust.
The collapse of Cruise highlights the difficulties faced by autonomous vehicle companies when scaling their services, underscoring the importance of robust testing and validation processes.
As Waymo moves forward with its expansion plans, it remains to be seen whether other industry players will follow suit, or if the public's perception of autonomous vehicles will continue to evolve before they become a mainstream reality.
The Japanese service robot market is expected to nearly triple by 2030, driven by the need to supplement a workforce facing an aging population and labor shortages, research firm Fuji Keizai has projected. The country's population is rapidly aging, with nearly 40% of citizens expected to be 65 or older by 2065, and robots are being used to fill the gap in labor, particularly in industries such as hospitality and healthcare. As a result, businesses are turning to service robots to support their operations.
Japan’s aggressive adoption of service robots could serve as a model for other countries facing similar demographic challenges, highlighting the potential benefits of investing in robotic workforce solutions.
Will the growth of Japan's service robot market lead to increased competition for jobs among humans, exacerbating the existing labor shortage and social implications?
One week in tech has seen another slew of announcements, rumors, reviews, and debate. The pace of technological progress is accelerating rapidly, with AI advancements being a major driver of innovation. As the field continues to evolve, we're seeing more natural and knowledgeable chatbots like ChatGPT, as well as significant updates to popular software like Photoshop.
The growing reliance on AI technology raises important questions about accountability and ethics in the development and deployment of these systems.
How will future breakthroughs in AI impact our personal data, online security, and overall digital literacy?
Alexa+, Amazon's freshly unveiled generative AI update, promises to take the Alexa virtual assistant to the next level by enabling richer answers to questions, natural conversations, and context maintenance. This new feature allows users to give multiple prompts at once, streamlining their smart home control experience. With Alexa+, users can simplify their routines, excluding devices from certain scenarios, and create more complex voice commands.
The integration of generative AI in smart home control has the potential to revolutionize how we interact with our technology, making it more intuitive and personalized.
As Alexa+ becomes increasingly available, will its impact on other virtual assistants be significant enough to prompt a shift away from traditional voice-controlled interfaces?
Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) is maintaining a "buy" rating from analysts despite the ongoing challenges in the EV market. The company's foray into AI and robotics is seen as a key driver of growth potential, with many experts predicting significant returns on investment. As investors continue to shift their focus towards software-driven innovation, Tesla's AI-focused initiatives are becoming increasingly attractive.
The burgeoning trend of software-driven innovation in the tech industry underscores the need for companies like Tesla to prioritize research and development in this area to remain competitive.
Will Tesla's investments in AI and robotics pay dividends in terms of increased market share and revenue growth in the next 12-18 months, or will it face significant challenges in executing on its strategy?
OpenAI has launched GPT-4.5, a significant advancement in its AI models, offering greater computational power and data integration than previous iterations. Despite its enhanced capabilities, GPT-4.5 does not achieve the anticipated performance leaps seen in earlier models, particularly when compared to emerging AI reasoning models from competitors. The model's introduction reflects a critical moment in AI development, where the limitations of traditional training methods are becoming apparent, prompting a shift towards more complex reasoning approaches.
The unveiling of GPT-4.5 signifies a pivotal transition in AI technology, as developers grapple with the diminishing returns of scaling models and explore innovative reasoning strategies to enhance performance.
What implications might the evolving landscape of AI reasoning have on future AI developments and the competitive dynamics between leading tech companies?
MWC 2025 has brought a slew of exciting consumer tech news, with home devices, robots, cars, and more making headlines at the big tech showcase. Lenovo has showcased a solar-powered laptop concept, while Honor has announced seven years of software updates for its flagship phones, rivaling Apple, Samsung, and Google's promises. The event has also seen the unveiling of new smartwatches, wireless earbuds, and innovative products aimed at tackling screen time epidemics.
As the tech industry continues to evolve, we're witnessing a trend towards more personalized and human-centric approaches to innovation, which could lead to a more seamless and intuitive user experience.
Will the proliferation of AI-powered devices in consumer electronics ultimately lead to a homogenization of design and functionality, or will they enable unprecedented levels of customization and choice?
Honor is rebranding itself as an "AI device ecosystem company" and working on a new type of intelligent smartphone that will feature "purpose-built, human-centric AI designed to maximize human potential."The company's new CEO, James Li, announced the move at MWC 2025, calling on the smartphone industry to "co-create an open, value-sharing AI ecosystem that maximizes human potential, ultimately benefiting all mankind." Honor's Alpha plan consists of three steps, each catering to a different 'era' of AI, including developing a "super intelligent" smartphone, creating an AI ecosystem, and co-existing with carbon-based life and silicon-based intelligence.
This ambitious effort may be the key to unlocking a future where AI is not just a tool, but an integral part of our daily lives, with smartphones serving as hubs for personalized AI-powered experiences.
As Honor looks to redefine the smartphone industry around AI, how will its focus on co-creation and collaboration influence the balance between human innovation and machine intelligence?
GPT-4.5, OpenAI's latest generative AI model, has sparked concerns over its massive size and computational requirements. The new model, internally dubbed Orion, promises improved performance in understanding user prompts but may also pose challenges for widespread adoption due to its resource-intensive nature. As users flock to try GPT-4.5, the implications of this significant advancement on AI's role in everyday life are starting to emerge.
The scale of GPT-4.5 may accelerate the shift towards cloud-based AI infrastructure, where centralized servers handle the computational load, potentially transforming how businesses and individuals access AI capabilities.
Will the escalating costs associated with GPT-4.5, including its $200 monthly subscription fee for ChatGPT Pro users, become a barrier to mainstream adoption, hindering the model's potential to revolutionize industries?
Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) stands at the forefront of the rapidly evolving AI industry, bolstered by strong analyst support and a unique distillation process that has democratized access to advanced AI models. This technology has enabled researchers and startups to create cutting-edge AI models at significantly reduced costs and timescales compared to traditional approaches. As the AI landscape continues to shift, Tesla's position as a leader in autonomous driving is poised to remain strong.
The widespread adoption of distillation techniques will fundamentally alter the way companies approach AI development, forcing them to reevaluate their strategies and resource allocations in light of increased accessibility and competition.
What implications will this new era of AI innovation have on the role of human intelligence and creativity in the industry, as machines become increasingly capable of replicating complex tasks?
Gemini Live, Google's conversational AI, is set to gain a significant upgrade with the arrival of live video capabilities in just a few weeks. The feature will enable users to show the robot something instead of telling it, marking a major milestone in the development of multimodal AI. With this update, Gemini Live will be able to process and understand live video and screen sharing, allowing for more natural and interactive conversations.
This development highlights the growing importance of visual intelligence in AI systems, as they become increasingly capable of processing and understanding human visual cues.
How will the integration of live video capabilities with other Google AI features, such as search and content recommendation, impact the overall user experience and potential applications?
The Unitree G1's impressive performance in a recently published video showcases the capabilities of humanoid robots beyond simple tasks. The robot's 43 joints, combined with specialized actuators mimicking human muscles, enable exceptional mobility and balance. With its open-source approach, developers worldwide can create custom applications for the robot.
As robotics technology advances, it's essential to consider the social implications of creating machines that can mimic human movements and emotions, raising questions about their potential role in industries like entertainment and education.
Can the pursuit of authenticity in robotic performances be balanced with the need for technological innovation and progress in the field?
Researchers have designed a pack of small robots that can transition between liquid and solid states, adopting different shapes in the process. By using motorized gears and magnets to link together, the robots can move within the collective without breaking their bonds with each other. This technology has significant implications for various fields, including robotics, healthcare, and manufacturing.
The development of these shape-shifting robots could revolutionize industries by enabling the creation of complex structures and systems that can adapt to changing environments, potentially leading to breakthroughs in fields such as tissue engineering and soft robotics.
What potential applications could be achieved with nanoscale robots that can mimic the properties of living cells, and how might this technology impact our understanding of life itself?
With Apple's AI assistant delayed, users are exploring alternatives like Google’s Gemini Live and ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode to enhance their iPhone experience. While Apple promised a significant upgrade to Siri through Apple Intelligence, reports indicate that a fully upgraded version may not be available until 2027, leaving customers to seek more advanced conversational AI options. As competitors like Amazon introduce innovative features in their voice assistants, the gap between Siri and its rivals continues to widen, prompting users to reconsider their reliance on Apple's offering.
This situation highlights the urgency for Apple to accelerate its AI developments, as consumer loyalty may shift towards brands that provide superior user experiences and technological advancements.
Could Apple’s delay in launching an upgraded Siri lead to a permanent shift in user preferences towards other AI assistants?