As major corporations like Amazon, Mercedes, and BMW rush to deploy humanoid robots in factories and warehouses, a critical aspect of their integration has been largely overlooked: worker safety. However, one Bay Area-based robotics firm, Figure AI, is taking a proactive approach to address this concern by launching a dedicated Center for the Advancement of Humanoid Safety.

The new division, led by former Amazon Robotics safety engineer Rob Gruendel, aims to fill the gap in safety standards and regulations surrounding humanoid robots. Gruendel announced the initiative via a LinkedIn post, highlighting the need for a focused effort on safety in the industry.

Previous solutions to address safety concerns in factory and warehouse settings have included caging in large robots or utilizing advanced computer vision and software. For instance, Amazon has developed a safety vest to prevent robots from colliding with humans, but this technology is limited to internal use and doesn't eliminate the need for protective cages. Meanwhile, Veo Robotics' safety solutions were absorbed into Symbotic in 2024, which now oversees Walmart's robotics division.

The humanoid form factor, valued for its adaptability and ability to integrate into existing warehouses, introduces a new set of safety concerns. These robots, designed to work alongside humans, pose a risk of injury due to their large, metal bodies moving freely in factories and warehouses. The lack of specific regulations from organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exacerbates the issue, making Figure AI's initiative all the more timely.

Gruendel noted that one of Figure AI's recent successes was finalizing a formal plan with an OSHA-recognized independent testing laboratory to certify their robot's battery, functional safety control system, and electrical system to industrial standards. This emphasis on safety is echoed by Fetch founder Melonee Wise, who has made humanoid safety a key focus since joining Agility Robotics as chief technology officer in 2023.

Wise emphasized that safety is not a clear-cut aspect of humanoid robots, citing the lack of an easy stop mechanism in robots like Tesla's Optimus. She believes that many companies are not prioritizing safety in their humanoid robot development.

Figure AI's Center for the Advancement of Humanoid Safety aims to change this by prioritizing transparency and customer involvement. The company plans to publish quarterly updates on their safety testing procedures and fixes for potential hazards, including summaries of their successes and failures. This open approach is crucial in establishing trust and addressing the safety concerns surrounding humanoid robots.

The implications of Figure AI's initiative extend beyond the industrial setting, as humanoid safety standards will become increasingly essential as more firms push to bring these robots into the home. By addressing the safety gap, Figure AI is paving the way for the next significant leap in humanoid robot integration.

In conclusion, Figure AI's launch of the Center for the Advancement of Humanoid Safety is a vital step in ensuring the safe integration of humanoid robots in various settings. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial that safety concerns are prioritized, and Figure AI's proactive approach sets a positive precedent for the future of humanoid robotics.