Brett Adcock, a name most associated with the sharp rise of humanoid robots, stepped into the public eye during the Bloomberg Tech conference.
Figure AI, the company he leads, has recently found itself under scrutiny with reports questioning its progress inside the factories of using robots in BMW factories. Adcock’s response was swift and emphatic, even threatening legal action against at least one news outlet that cast doubts.
He addressed the concerns head-on but sidestepped requests for details about Figure’s contractual dealings with BMW. According to Adcock, placing robots on active factory floors is critical because it enables the company to evaluate their performance in real time.
He emphasized that monitoring how robots handle daily work and collecting performance data gives Figure AI insight crucial to advancing their technology.
Two months earlier, Figure released a video showing their creations operating inside a BMW facility. Still, when pressed for specifics on whether the partnership was experimental or money-making, Adcock steered the conversation back to technology instead of numbers.
While BMW captured the spotlight, Adcock revealed the company also has a contract with another undisclosed client. Bloomberg reported this second customer is likely UPS.
Competition and Visibility in Robotics
Despite its growing profile, Figure AI has yet to give the world a live demonstration of its machines. Competitors such as Agility Robotics and Boston Dynamics showcased their products on stage at the very same event where Figure appeared only in spirit.
Adcock sees these public events as an inefficient use of resources. He explained that sending a demo team pulls talent away from core development, adding that video showcases allow the company to demonstrate progress without disruption.
The company has not been shy about big ambitions. Figure AI believes its technology enables robots to move with dexterity, handling objects much like humans do but with digital precision.
Looking ahead, Adcock confirmed that Figure AI plans to manufacture and deploy about one hundred thousand units over the next four years.
Industry skepticism remains, particularly as Figure AI seeks to raise a staggering one and a half billion dollars, aiming for a valuation of $39.5 billion. This would be fifteen times higher than the company’s valuation only months ago.
Amid these heady goals, Figure AI has also taken a firm stance against secondary stock sales crackdown, with TechCrunch reporting cease and desist letters sent to secondary market brokers.
The spotlight on Figure AI has never burned brighter, with both believers and critics closely watching every move the company makes.
