Figure 03 Aims for 100,000 Units in Mass Production; SoftBank Invests RMB 38.3 Billion to Acquire ABB Robotics Business; Magic Atom Unveils New Robotic Dog | Weekly Tech Roundup

1. Figure 03 Officially Released, Aiming for 100,000 Units in Mass Production Within Four Years

On October 9, Figure AI officially released its third-generation humanoid robot, Figure 03. Designed specifically for the Helix model, home scenarios, and global scalable applications, it features a comprehensive overhaul of both hardware and software.

In terms of basic specifications, Figure 03 stands 1.68 meters tall and weighs 60 kilograms, making it 9% lighter than its predecessor.

At the perception level, Figure 03's new compact camera architecture doubles the frame rate per camera, reduces latency by one-quarter, and expands the field of view by 60%. Additionally, the design of palm-embedded cameras allows Helix to maintain environmental awareness throughout the grasping process. On the fingers, the first-generation fingertip tactile sensors can detect pressures as low as 3 grams.

Regarding battery life, Figure 03 supports 5 hours of operation. However, its foot-based inductive charging function enables rapid recharging while performing tasks, significantly enhancing its practical usability.

In the release video, we can see that Figure 03 is capable of performing tasks such as sorting packages, delivering goods to doorsteps, and acting as a hotel receptionist in commercial settings. In home environments, it can help with folding laundry and playing with pets. Regarding the tasks completed by Figure 03 in the video, Figure AI founder Brett Adcock emphasized that these were all autonomously executed by the robot without remote control.

Regarding future mass production plans, Figure AI has built the BotQ manufacturing facility specifically for Figure 03. The first-generation production line has an annual capacity of 12,000 units, with a plan to mass-produce 100,000 units over the next four years.

2. SoftBank Acquires ABB Robotics Business for RMB 38.3 Billion

On October 8, SoftBank Group announced that it has reached an agreement with Switzerland's ABB Ltd. to acquire ABB's robotics business for a total consideration of $5.375 billion (approximately RMB 38.3 billion).

As one of the world's top four robotics companies, ABB's robotics unit generated revenue of $2.3 billion in 2024, accounting for 7% of ABB's total revenue. Previously, ABB CEO Matti Ali-Yrkkö stated that ABB Robotics held the second-largest market position globally in 2024.

Masayoshi Son, Chairman of SoftBank Group, stated that SoftBank's next frontier is physical AI, and together with ABB Robotics, they will integrate artificial intelligence and robotics technology to drive significant progress for human society.

This marks SoftBank's latest push into the robotics sector, following its acquisitions of Aldebaran and Boston Dynamics, after announcing the acquisition of ABB Robotics.

SoftBank began laying the groundwork for robotics as early as 2012, when it acquired Aldebaran for approximately $100 million and renamed it SoftBank Robotics. The companion humanoid robot Pepper was officially launched in 2014. However, due to a lack of commercial application methods and high costs, Pepper was eventually discontinued in 2020. Subsequently, in 2022, SoftBank divested its stake in Aldebaran.

Additionally, in 2017, SoftBank acquired the robotics company Boston Dynamics from Alphabet, Google's parent company. Shortly thereafter, SoftBank sold an 80% stake to Hyundai Motor Group.

3. Magic Atom Unveils New Industry-Grade Quadruped Robot, MagicDog Y1

On October 10, Magic Atom released the new industry-grade quadruped robot, MagicDog Y1. It is capable of navigating complex terrains and meets the requirements for tasks such as emergency rescue, inspection, and fire reconnaissance.

The Y1 has a dynamic load capacity of 45 kg and a maximum dynamic load capacity of 150 kg. In terms of mobility, the Y1 can run at speeds ≥ 6 meters per second, climb heights ≥ 60 cm, and ascend angles ≥ 45 degrees.

It also possesses certain anti-interference capabilities; even in an inverted position, it can maintain stability when subjected to disturbances. Furthermore, the Y1 features an all-weather design with an IP67 protection rating, allowing it to operate normally in heavy rain and function stably within temperature ranges of -20°C to 55°C.

At the perception level, Y1 is equipped with a 3D LiDAR, depth camera, and optical camera. It can perform path planning and autonomous obstacle avoidance, while target recognition and object detection enhance reliability during use.

Finally, regarding battery life, Y1 has a comprehensive endurance of 4-6 hours and supports autonomous return-to-charge, further increasing its reliability during operation.

4. Deep Robotics Unveils New All-Weather Industrial Humanoid Robot DRO2

On October 9, Deep Robotics released the new all-weather industrial humanoid robot DRO2, which can break through extreme environmental limitations, providing reliable solutions for applications in security patrols and other industries.

DRO2 features an IP66 protection rating; it can operate normally even when doused with water or during heavy rain, and functions in high and low temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C.

In terms of basic specifications, DRO2 stands 1.75 m tall and weighs 75 kg. Excluding end-effectors, its arm length is 68 cm with 31 degrees of freedom (DOF), including 7 DOF per single arm, 3 DOF at the waist, 6 DOF per leg, and 2 DOF at the neck.

Regarding mobility, its walking speed reaches 1.5 m/s, with a maximum speed of 4 m/s. It can climb stairs up to 25 cm high and navigate slopes with an angle of 20°.

On the hardware configuration, DRO2 is equipped with 1 LiDAR, 3 depth cameras, and 1 wide-angle camera, with AI computing power reaching 275 TOPS.

In terms of battery life, DRO2 also adopts a pluggable battery design, providing endurance assurance for its application in industrial scenarios.