The Article Tells The Story of:
- Jeff Bezos and OpenAI Bet Big on Robot Labor – Figure AI raises $675M to build humanoid workers for logistics giants.
- UPS May Deploy Talking Robots That Lift 55 Pounds – Talks are underway to test Figure 02 bots inside UPS warehouses.
- Factory Robots Just Got Hands—and a Voice – With OpenAI-powered speech and redesigned limbs, Figure 02 is ready for work.
- Job Cuts and Robot Deals—UPS Prepares for a New Era – As UPS slashes 20,000 jobs, automation steps in to take over the floor.
Figure AI Secures $675M to Build Humanoid Workers
At Squaredtech.co, we’re tracking one of the boldest shifts in tech and labor: humanoid robots entering commercial workspaces. This week, Figure AI announced a massive $675 million funding round from major tech players, including Jeff Bezos, Microsoft, OpenAI, Nvidia, and Intel. The goal? Build and deploy fully functional humanoid robots that can handle repetitive and physical labor across industries.
Read More: Figure’s Humanoid Robot Secures $9 Million Investment from Intel Updated July 5th, 2025 SquaredTech
The company, founded in 2022 by Brett Adcock, now holds a $2.6 billion valuation. Adcock, known for his work with Vettery and Archer Aviation, aims to close the labor gap using machines that can walk, see, talk, and lift. His latest model, the Figure 02, is currently in real-world testing—including inside BMW’s manufacturing facility.
Figure 02 isn’t a concept. It’s a working robot. It features six RGB cameras, directional mics, speakers, and AI software built with OpenAI. It can carry up to 55 pounds, react to spoken commands, and mimic basic human movements with 16 degrees of freedom in its hands. All computing happens inside the robot using Nvidia RTX GPU modules.
UPS in Talks to Use Humanoid Robots
What’s pushing this development into the mainstream is a potential deal between Figure AI and UPS. According to Bloomberg, talks between the two companies began in 2023 and resumed in early 2025 after the Figure 02 showed significant performance gains.
If finalized, the deal would make UPS one of the first global logistics firms to pilot humanoid robots at scale. While both UPS and FedEx have already integrated ground robots and sorting machines into their systems, humanoids add a new level of physical and conversational ability—bridging gaps where traditional automation fails.
At Squaredtech.co, we see this as a critical moment for industrial automation. UPS is facing multiple pressures—falling package volumes, rising operational costs, and a tough global economy. The company recently announced plans to cut 20,000 jobs and close 73 facilities by June, aiming to save $3.5 billion. Replacing some of this workforce with Figure robots could provide a scalable solution while keeping operations efficient.
Figure AI’s Big Vision for Human-Like Labor
CEO Brett Adcock wants Figure AI to deliver commercial humanoid robots as fast as possible. In a public statement, he said, “AI and robotics are the future, and I’m grateful to have the support of investors and partners who believe in being at the forefront.”
At Squaredtech, we’ve monitored Adcock’s mission to blend AI with physical labor, and the current momentum reflects real industry demand. Manufacturing and logistics are areas with high turnover, safety risks, and rising wage pressure. Humanoids could fill dangerous, repetitive, or undesirable roles—without burnout.
The company plans to have robots working side-by-side with humans, or independently in factories, warehouses, and even homes. With OpenAI’s conversational interface and Nvidia’s computing power, Figure 02 could handle tasks that go beyond lifting—like communicating with staff, following voice instructions, or making on-the-fly decisions.
Competitors in the space include Tesla’s Optimus and Agility Robotics’ Digit, but none of them have raised as much capital this quickly. With tech giants and billionaires backing it, Figure AI may have the clearest path to commercial deployment.
What’s Next: Humanoid Robots in Real Workplaces
While UPS continues evaluating Figure AI’s offering, it’s clear that interest in commercial humanoid robots is shifting from concept to execution. In less than three years, Figure AI has gone from pitch deck to product testing with major brands.
For companies like UPS, which are already restructuring, humanoid robots may offer a long-term cost advantage. If robots can safely lift packages, navigate facilities, and interact with human supervisors, they could significantly reduce reliance on temporary or seasonal workers.
At Squaredtech, we expect other logistics and manufacturing giants to follow closely. Once one major player validates humanoid labor, adoption could increase rapidly—especially as AI models become more reliable in real-world settings.
Conclusion
Figure AI’s $675 million funding round marks a turning point in the adoption of humanoid robots in logistics. With backing from OpenAI, Intel, Nvidia, and Jeff Bezos, the startup is gaining the momentum needed to deliver on its promise. If UPS finalizes its pilot deal, it could set the standard for how robots and humans share space on factory floors and in shipping hubs. At Squaredtech.co, we’re watching closely—because the future of work just became a lot more human-shaped.
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