Figure AI has captivated audiences with a new viral video showing its humanoid robot, Figure 02, performing household laundry tasks with impressive autonomy. (See video below.)
In footage shared by CEO Brett Adcock on X, the robot is seen efficiently grabbing garments from a basket and loading them into a washing machine. This impressive display marks a notable achievement in the field of embodied household robotics, showcasing a promising leap forward in automation technology.
While Figure 02 does not yet operate the washer’s controls itself, this milestone demonstrates its ability to handle the physical manipulation of clothing—loading and unloading garments—in a real-world setting. The robot leverages Figure AI’s Helix Vision‑Language‑Action model, a sophisticated framework that empowers it to interpret and interact with an unstructured environment dynamically.
What the World is Saying
Reactions to the video have been overwhelmingly positive. Interesting Engineering described the demonstration as “brainy,” hailing the robot’s dexterity and the nuanced control required for the task. Digital Trends even heralded Figure 02 as the first humanoid robot to confidently tackle laundry, suggesting that tasks like doing laundry might soon be viewed as outdated inconveniences.
Oodaloop and Wall Street Pit noted the public’s astonishment, with many viewers left “shocked” by the robot’s uncanny ease in handling various clothing items. Such an immediate and visceral reaction showcases the deep intrigue and excitement that surrounds advancements in humanoid robotics.
Original Press Release and Video Location
While a formal press release detailing this capability has yet to circulate widely, the video was posted directly by Adcock on X, providing an insightful behind-the-scenes look at Helix’s integral role. Additionally, the video is available on Figure AI’s official YouTube channel, portraying the robot’s seamless processes of filling the washing machine with clothing items.
Technical and Industry Implications
- The Helix model, a generalist Vision-Language-Action framework, fundamentally enables Figure 02 to interpret its surroundings and apply learned object manipulation skills—essential for navigating unstructured household tasks.
- Unlike previous demonstrations that relied heavily on remote teleoperation, Figure AI emphasizes that this laundry task was achieved autonomously. This transition signifies notable progress toward the development of self-sufficient physical AI systems.
- As major tech players like Physical Intelligence and innovative startups such as 1X Technologies—introducing their own humanoid robots like Eve and Neo—push into the realms of household and logistics automation, Figure’s laundry demonstration positions it as a key contender in this rapidly evolving category.
Broader Context
The emergence of Figure 02’s capabilities is part of a growing trend of humanoid robots successfully showcasing household tasks. At a recent event, Europe’s Web Summit, Agility Robotics’ Digit demonstrated voice-controlled laundry sorting. Such demonstrations fuel a broader conversation about the potential for artificial intelligence to transform everyday tasks and interactions.
Although the general public may still be several years away from owning robots capable of performing these actions in their homes, these compelling demonstrations build confidence that humanoid platforms will one day handle a wider range of complex, nuanced physical tasks. As technology continues to advance, the line between industrial automation and everyday convenience grows increasingly blurred, paving the way for a future that may very well include robots as everyday helpers in our homes.