At the Dreamforce event, Figure AI's founder and CEO Brett Adcock declared that their humanoid robots represent not just machines but a new species, signaling a transformative vision for physical AI to replace manual labor across industries.
- Figure AI intends humanoid robots to form a new species of intelligence.
- Prototypes handle household and industrial tasks, including sorting 100,000 packages autonomously.
- Mass production of humanoids is expected to accelerate in 2026 and 2027.
What happened
During the Dreamforce conference, Brett Adcock, Figure AI's CEO, discussed the company's bold vision of creating humanoid robots that transcend traditional machines to form a new kind of species with physical and cognitive intelligence. This perspective emerged in dialogue with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and highlights an ambitious approach to AI integrated with robotics.
Figure AI has showcased robots performing household tasks like tidying rooms and stacking dishwashers, alongside a notable demonstration where their Figure 03 robot sorted over 100,000 packages autonomously via live stream. These demonstrations serve as proof points for their ongoing development and the maturation of robotic capabilities.
Why it matters
The company’s vision indicates a paradigm shift where AI-driven humanoid machines may replace manual labor traditionally performed by humans, impacting industries ranging from manufacturing to household management. If successful, this could radically reshape workforce dynamics and labor markets globally.
Although current humanoid robots still face challenges in reliably executing complex real-world tasks, scientific and engineering advances signal that these limitations will diminish over time. The prospect of intelligent machines understanding and navigating physical environments offers significant improvements in task efficiency and scalability.
What to watch next
Industry observers should track Figure AI’s transition from prototype demonstrations to mass production planned for 2026 and 2027, noting how these robots perform outside controlled environments. Initial deployment is expected in industrial settings, but the company also targets domestic applications.
Developments in AI sophistication, robotic dexterity, and real-world adaptability will be key indicators of progress. The broader market adoption and regulatory responses to humanoid robots replacing manual labor will also shape the trajectory and societal impact of this emerging technology.