Helix is a proprietary AI model created by Silicon Valley-based startup Figure, which specializes in humanoid robotics. Its goal is to transform robotic capabilities. According to the business, Helix dramatically improves a robot’s capacity for object manipulation, smooth cooperation with other robots, and more fluid upper-body movements. This statement follows a recent $1.5 billion financing campaign and Figure’s decision to end its partnership with OpenAI on AI models.

Figure highlighted in a blog post that Helix is a significant step forward in the integration of humanoid robots into regular residential settings. In contrast to previous models, Helix does not require training on hundreds of task-specific demonstrations or substantial fine-tuning. Rather, its novel architecture allows robots to engage in dynamic interactions with items they are not familiar with. According to Figure, Helix-equipped robots can easily handle almost any little home object.

Two Figure-built robots that are directed by the AI model reply to a request to put groceries away in a demonstration film that highlights Helix’s capabilities. The robots show that they can adjust to duties on their own by methodically opening a refrigerator, storing the majority of the food, and setting an apple in a serving bowl while keeping an eye on their environment.

In the past, Figure worked with OpenAI to modify AI models for use in robotics. However, Brett Adcock, the founder of Figure, declared on X on February 4 that the company was ending the collaboration. He made an implied allusion to Helix when he mentioned a breakthrough in end-to-end robot AI that was created wholly internally. Adcock also revealed that Figure had spent more than a year developing Helix.

The momentum of Figure has been steadily increasing. According to a February 14 Bloomberg story, the company was negotiating a $1.5 billion round of new fundraising with Align Venture and Parkway Venture Capital, putting it at a remarkable $39.5 billion valuation. According to reports, Figure’s expedited timeframe for bringing humanoid robots to the consumer market is what is attracting investors, and their excitement is fueled by early looks at Helix.

The field of humanoid robotics is developing quickly, and several powerful companies are fighting for control. According to a recent Reuters report, Meta is creating a branch devoted to humanoid robots driven by AI. Meanwhile, Google DeepMind was one of the sponsors of the robotics business Apptronik, which raised $350 million. Tesla is also still working on its Optimus robot, and there is a lot of conjecture about Apple possibly joining the market.

Figure’s introduction of Helix highlights the rapid and competitive progress in humanoid robotics. As automation powered by AI advances, businesses such as Figure are positioned to reimagine the way robots fit into daily life, bridging the gap between AI and useful, real-world applications.