BotQ: A machine that makes machines

Key Points

• Figure AI, founded in 2022, develops AI-powered humanoid robots for general-purpose tasks, focusing on logistics and warehousing.
• Their new facility, BotQ, can manufacture up to 12,000 humanoids annually, with plans to scale significantly, using advanced manufacturing processes.
• Robots at BotQ will build other robots, enhancing automation, and the facility uses a custom MES for efficient production tracking.
• The supply chain is designed to produce up to 100,000 robots or 3,000,000 actuators in four years, with in-house assembly for critical parts.

Introduction to Figure Humanoid

Figure Humanoid, officially Figure AI, is a pioneering company in the robotics field, founded in 2022 by Brett Adcock. They specialize in creating AI-powered humanoid robots designed for general-purpose tasks, initially targeting sectors like logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing. These robots, such as Figure 01 and Figure 02, aim to address labor shortages and handle unsafe jobs, making them versatile for various industries.

BotQ: The Manufacturing Hub

BotQ is Figure AI's new high-volume manufacturing facility, capable of producing up to 12,000 humanoid robots per year, with ambitions to scale up considerably. This facility is a game-changer, featuring vertically integrated manufacturing to control quality and delivery, and innovative processes like injection molding and diecasting to speed up production.

Key Innovations and Future Outlook

One unexpected detail is that Figure AI's robots will soon be building other robots, a step towards self-replicating systems, which could revolutionize manufacturing. Their supply chain is set to handle massive scales, and they’ve developed a custom Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to integrate production and ensure efficiency. For career opportunities, visit careers.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Figure Humanoid and BotQ

Figure Humanoid, known formally as Figure AI, Inc., is a United States-based robotics company founded in 2022 by Brett Adcock, who also founded Archer Aviation and Vettery. The company has rapidly emerged as a leader in developing AI-powered humanoid robots, with a focus on general-purpose applications. Their mission is to create robots that can perform a wide range of tasks, initially targeting logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing sectors, to address labor shortages and reduce the need for unsafe jobs. The team comprises experts from notable companies like Boston Dynamics and Tesla, blending robotics, AI, sensing, perception, and navigation skills.

Background and Development

Figure AI introduced its first prototype, Figure 01, in 2022, a bipedal robot designed for manual labor. By 2024, they unveiled Figure 02, their second-generation robot, which has already been shipped to paying customers, marking their transition to revenue generation. This rapid pace of innovation earned them a 2024 RBR50 award. Recent developments include plans for alpha testing Figure 02 in home settings by later in 2025, as announced by CEO Brett Adcock, leveraging their Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model, Helix, for faster task learning. Funding has been substantial, with a $675 million Series B round in February 2024, valuing the company at $2.6 billion, backed by investors like Jeff Bezos, Microsoft, Nvidia, Intel, Amazon, and OpenAI.

Partnerships have been crucial, including a collaboration with BMW announced in January 2024 to deploy humanoids in automotive manufacturing, and a previous partnership with OpenAI for AI model development, though they’ve since shifted to proprietary models like Helix. This positions Figure AI as a competitive player in the humanoid robotics market, with a focus on commercial viability and scalability.

BotQ: High-Volume Manufacturing Facility

The article from Figure AI news details BotQ, Figure’s new high-volume manufacturing facility for humanoid robots. This facility is designed to manufacture up to 12,000 humanoids per year with its first-generation line, with plans to scale up considerably. Below is a table summarizing key details from the article:

BotQ’s vertically integrated manufacturing ensures Figure AI controls the build process, quality, and delivery, enhancing the functionality of their high-performing robots. Over the last 6 months, they’ve built a robust software infrastructure, including MES, PLM, ERP, and WMS, which are critical for managing complex manufacturing operations. The MES, in particular, serves as the backbone, integrating production, tracking parts, monitoring efficiency, ensuring quality control, and connecting with IoT devices for real-time process flow, genealogy, and test data.

Key Initiatives and Innovations

One of the most intriguing aspects is the initiative for “robots building robots.” Humanoid robots will start assembling other humanoids this year, with their numbers growing substantially over time to increase line automation. This uses their internal AI, Helix, for assembly and material handling, supported by a hybrid workforce with human oversight to minimize repetitive tasks, setting the foundation for autonomous manufacturing.

The roadmap to scalable manufacturing involves rethinking the robot architecture for Figure 03, the production robot, to enhance affordability and high-volume production. They’ve shifted from CNC machining, which took over a week per part, to processes like injection molding, diecasting, metal injection molding, and stamping, reducing production time to under 20 seconds per part. A reliability team at BotQ runs accelerated lifecycle tests using high-temperature ovens, actuator testers, and failure analysis equipment to ensure durability.

The supply chain is another critical area, with Figure AI designing almost the entire robot from scratch, including actuators, motors, sensors, battery packs, and electronics. They focus on in-house assembly for critical components like actuators, hands, and batteries, while leveraging vendors for piece parts. This supply chain is designed to scale to 100,000 robots or 3,000,000 actuators in the next four years, showcasing their ambition for massive production.

Manufacturing processes are optimized by a team of experts who design production lines, break assembly into sub-stations, select tools, design fixtures, test parts, and provide design feedback. Automation examples include an automated grease dispense station for motor gearboxes to ensure quality and a cell test and load station for battery cells to enhance speed.

Fun Facts and Unexpected Details

• Self-Replication Potential: The concept of robots building robots is not just futuristic; it’s happening now, with Figure AI’s humanoids set to assemble others, potentially leading to self-replicating systems, a significant step in automation.
• Scalability Numbers: The supply chain’s capacity to handle 100,000 robots or 3,000,000 actuators in four years is a testament to their ambitious scaling plans, far exceeding current industry norms.
• Rapid Software Development: Developing MES, PLM, ERP, and WMS in just 6 months highlights their agility and technical prowess, an unexpected detail given the complexity of such systems.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

BotQ’s initial lines can manufacture up to 12,000 humanoids per year, with volumes expected to grow substantially. This facility, combined with a full robot architecture redesign, integrated supply chain, and new enterprise software, represents a major leap in humanoid robot manufacturing. As of March 15, 2025, Figure AI is poised for further expansion, with plans for home testing of Figure 02 later this year and continued innovation in AI and robotics.

For those interested in joining this revolution, Figure AI is hiring for design, manufacturing, and production roles. Visit careers to explore opportunities. The site is protected by reCAPTCHA, with privacy details at Google’s privacy policy and terms.

Key Citations

• BotQ: A High-Volume Manufacturing Facility for Humanoid Robots
• Figure AI Careers Page
• Google Privacy Policy
• Google Terms of Service