AI robot cleans homes after humans leave, CEO says it works fully autonomously

US-based startup Figure AI has introduced Helix 02, a humanoid robot which can autonomously handle everyday chores such as laundry, dishes, and tidying up. Powered by a unified neural network that controls its entire body, and allows it to work without human supervision.

US-based robotics startup Figure AI has introduced its most capable humanoid robot, the Helix 02. This AI-powered robot has been developed to autonomously perform everyday household chores such as cleaning rooms, handling dishes, and organising items around the home. According to the company, Helix 02 runs on a unified neural system that allows it to complete tasks like a full living room clean-up sequence without human intervention.

The company highlights that Helix 02 is capable of managing domestic tasks, including multi-step activities such as tidying a room, unloading dishes, and organising objects across different areas of a home. In a video demonstration shared online, the robot can be seen walking around a living room, picking up objects from a table, placing items back in their designated spots, and organising the space without receiving step-by-step instructions.

The humanoid even caught the attention of Tesla boss Elon Musk, who is also developing humanoid robots through Tesla’s Optimus project. In his post on X Musk asked whether the robot was operating autonomously or being remotely controlled, to which Figure CEO Brett Adcock highlighted the humanoid has been developed to work “fully autonomous.”

Unlike many traditional robots that use separate systems for walking and handling objects, Helix 02 relies on a single neural network to control its entire body. According to the company, this helps overcome the challenge of “loco-manipulation”, allowing the robot to move, balance, and interact with objects at the same time.

Helix 02 uses multiple sensory inputs, including vision systems, tactile sensors, along with proprioception, which gives it the ability to understand the position and movement of its own limbs. All this information is then said to be processed through a unified AI model that controls its actions, enabling the robot to understand its surroundings and respond in real time.

The robot also includes palm-mounted cameras and tactile sensors in its fingertips, allowing it to identify and grasp objects even when they are partially hidden or surrounded by clutter. Figure highlights that these sensors help the robot determine how firmly to hold objects, which allows it to handle even fragile household items.