July 14, 2025 – In a recent episode of the tech podcast Around the Prompt, Brett Adcock, founder of humanoid robotics startup Figure AI, declared that the world is just a few years away from a future where humanoid robots can perform “practically useful tasks.”
Adcock emphasized that breakthroughs in hardware reliability over the past decade have laid the foundation for this progress. “Without robust hardware, none of this would be possible,” he stated, highlighting how advancements in materials and engineering have made robots more durable and efficient. Complementing these improvements, neural networks—designed to mimic the human brain’s neural structure—are evolving rapidly, accelerating the development of autonomous robots.
The startup recently demonstrated its progress by unveiling an upgraded version of its humanoid robot, Helix, capable of performing continuous “logistics operations” for up to an hour. During tests, Helix efficiently managed package sorting on conveyor belts, a task requiring precision and adaptability. Adcock described the achievement as proof that the robot’s neural network is now “operating at near-human speed and accuracy.”
Founded in 2022, Figure AI has rapidly secured 2.34billioninfunding,includingamassive1.5 billion Series C round in February 2025. According to PitchBook data, the company is now valued at $2.6 billion, reflecting investor confidence in its vision of merging robotics with artificial intelligence.
Beyond industrial applications, Figure has begun testing its robots in office environments, where they interact with employees by offering refreshments or conducting security patrols. Adcock envisioned a near future where humanoid robots become as commonplace as humans, transforming workplaces and daily life. “It’s going to feel like a sci-fi movie,” he said, “but this time, it’s real.”
