A former executive at robotics firm Figure AI has filed suit alleging the company downplayed safety risks with its humanoid robots, including the potential for serious human injury. The lawsuit, filed November 21, alleges the company’s Figure 02 model possesses the strength to cause critical harm. The claims come as Figure AI aims to rapidly deploy its robots – initially in manufacturing and eventually in homes – and as the U.S. and China vie for dominance in the emerging field of artificial intelligence and robotics.
A former safety executive at California-based robotics firm Figure AI has filed a federal lawsuit alleging the company knowingly downplayed safety risks associated with its humanoid robots, including the potential for serious injury. The lawsuit, filed November 21, 2023, claims the company’s Figure 02 model possesses the strength to fracture a human skull upon impact.
The allegations come as interest in humanoid robotics surges, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence and autonomous mobility. Figure AI has quickly become a prominent player in the field, aiming to develop “universal helpers” capable of performing everyday tasks. The company’s roadmap includes three generations of robots: Figure 01, its initial prototype; Figure 02, focused on precise manipulation; and Figure 03, designed for mass production and domestic use.
Robert Gruendel, the former head of product safety at Figure AI, alleges in the lawsuit that during internal testing, a Figure 02 robot accidentally struck a refrigerator with enough force to dent it. He claims this incident demonstrated the potential for severe harm to a person, and that his warnings were dismissed by CEO Brett Adcock and chief engineer Kyle Edelberg, even after the company secured significant funding. Gruendel further asserts that his proposed safety roadmap was disregarded.
According to the complaint, Figure AI lacked formal safety procedures, incident reporting systems, or specific risk assessments. The company’s only external safety lead was a contractor with no prior robotics experience. Gruendel alleges that management tolerated failures, rejected a key safety feature – an emergency stop button – due to aesthetic concerns, and altered the safety plan before presenting it to investors, potentially constituting fraudulent behavior.
Shortly after raising his concerns, Gruendel was terminated. He contends this was retaliation, while Figure AI maintains the dismissal was due to poor performance. The company is aiming to deploy tens of thousands of its robots, including the more advanced Figure 03, in real-world settings in the coming years, a goal that now faces increased scrutiny.
Figure AI vehemently denies the allegations, calling them “false” and stating its intention to “defend itself vigorously” in court. The company asserts that Gruendel’s termination was unrelated to his safety concerns and attributes the claims to performance issues. Figure AI’s Figure 02 is designed to work alongside humans in manufacturing settings, and the company insists its development adheres to rigorous safety standards.
The lawsuit highlights the challenges of rapidly deploying humanoid robots without a clear regulatory framework. These robots require powerful motors to lift, manipulate objects, and operate with precision, but that same power presents a risk if controls fail or are inadequate. The incident underscores the growing need for robust safety protocols, independent audits, and clear lines of responsibility as the robotics industry advances. The case raises critical questions about the balance between innovation and safety in the emerging field of humanoid robotics, and could influence future regulations and industry best practices.
Figure AI’s ambition to integrate robots into everyday life – from factories to homes – is predicated on seamless interaction. The company’s success, and the broader adoption of humanoid robots, will likely depend on addressing these safety concerns and building public trust. The company’s Figure 01 prototype demonstrated the potential of AI-powered robotics, but the current lawsuit casts a shadow over its future development.
The debate over safety comes as the U.S. seeks to compete with China in the development of advanced robotics. Figure AI’s Figure 03, the latest iteration of its humanoid robots, is intended for large-scale production and integration into homes.
