With the increasing push to integrate humanoid robots into workplaces, industries seem to sidestep the conversation around worker safety. However, a Bay Area robotics firm, Figure AI, is gearing up to address this.
Announcing their initiative for a Center for the Advancement of Humanoid Safety, Figure AI aims to centralize their focus on robotics safety. The project, spearheaded by former Amazon Robotics safety engineer Rob Gruendel, was unveiled on LinkedIn.
Historically, safety measures have included confinement of large, hazardous robots. Nowadays, technological solutions are more sought after, like advanced computer vision, software developed by Veo Robotics, and an Amazon designed safety vest. However, the introduction of humanoid robots in the workspace introduces new safety risks due to their ability to work alongside humans without the confinement of cages.
Regulations around automated safety by organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are lagging. Figure AI is taking a crucial step towards filling this void by focusing on humanoid robot safety. Gruendel announced that they are on track to get their robots’ battery, functional safety control system, and electrical system certified to industrial standards.
Safety of humanoid robots has been a primary concern for Melonee Wise, Chief Technology Officer at Agility Robotics since 2023. She notes, “Safety is not clear with humanoid robots.”
In response, Figure AI plans to keep an open dialog with their customers about safety, offering quarterly updates around testing procedures, potential hazards, and solutions. These efforts could potentially bridge the gap in safety considerations, preparing the sector for the upcoming big step: integrating robots into households.
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