Figure AI and Humanoid Robot Safety: What Workers Should Know
Humanoid robots are no longer science fiction. Companies like Figure AI, Tesla, Agility Robotics, and others are actively developing and deploying human-shaped robots designed to work alongside people in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and other industrial settings — a trend we cover in our comprehensive humanoid robot safety guide. Figure AI, in particular, has attracted significant investment and attention for its general-purpose humanoid robot, Figure 02, which is designed to perform a range of physical tasks in commercial environments.
As these machines move from research labs into real workplaces, workers need to understand the safety implications. Humanoid robots present a distinct set of hazards compared to the stationary robotic arms and autonomous mobile robots that have been in industrial use for decades.
What Is Figure AI?
Figure AI is a robotics company focused on building general-purpose humanoid robots. The company has raised billions of dollars in funding from major investors, including partnerships with technology companies to integrate advanced artificial intelligence into its robots. Figure’s stated goal is to deploy humanoid robots that can perform physical labor in environments designed for humans, eliminating the need for specialized infrastructure.
The Figure 02 robot is designed to walk on two legs, manipulate objects with human-like hands, and navigate environments built for people. The company has announced deployment agreements with major corporations and has begun pilot programs in warehouse and logistics settings.
Why Humanoid Robots Pose Unique Safety Risks
Traditional industrial robots are typically bolted to the floor, operate within defined zones, and perform repetitive, predictable tasks. Workers are trained to stay outside the robot’s operating envelope, and physical barriers often separate humans from machines.
Humanoid robots change this dynamic in fundamental ways:
Shared Physical Space
Humanoid robots are specifically designed to work in the same spaces as humans, walking through the same aisles, reaching into the same shelves, and operating in close proximity to human workers. This shared space dramatically increases the potential for physical contact and collision.
Unpredictable Movement
Unlike a robotic arm that follows a fixed path, a humanoid robot navigates its environment dynamically using AI-driven decision-making. Its movements are less predictable than those of traditional industrial robots, which makes it harder for nearby workers to anticipate what the robot will do next.
Size and Weight
Humanoid robots like Figure 02 are roughly human-sized and can weigh well over 100 pounds. A collision with a robot of this mass, even at walking speed, can cause serious injuries including broken bones, concussions, and soft tissue damage.
Dexterity and Force
Humanoid robots are equipped with hands designed to grip, lift, and manipulate objects. The force required to perform industrial tasks means these robots can exert enough pressure to cause crush injuries, lacerations, or joint damage to a human worker caught in the wrong position.
AI Decision-Making Failures
The AI systems that control humanoid robots are still in early stages. These systems must process complex sensory information and make real-time decisions about movement in dynamic environments. Errors in perception, object recognition, or path planning could lead to a robot walking into a person, dropping a heavy object, or failing to stop when a human enters its path.
Emerging Injury Concerns
Because large-scale deployment of humanoid robots is still in its early stages, comprehensive injury data is limited. However, safety experts and labor advocates have raised several concerns based on the known capabilities and limitations of these systems:
- Collision injuries from robots failing to detect or avoid nearby workers
- Crush injuries from robotic hands or arms exerting excessive force during object manipulation
- Trip and fall hazards created by robots moving through shared pedestrian spaces
- Falling object injuries if a robot drops or mishandles materials it is carrying
- Psychological stress for workers who feel unsafe working alongside unpredictable autonomous machines
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has general duty clause requirements that obligate employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. As humanoid robots become more common, the application of these requirements to human-robot collaboration will be an active area of regulatory development.
For more on the risks posed by humanoid robots in the workplace, visit our page on humanoid robot injuries.
The Current Legal Framework
The legal framework governing humanoid robot safety in the workplace is still evolving, but several existing bodies of law apply:
OSHA Workplace Safety Standards
Employers have a legal obligation to maintain a safe workplace under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. This includes conducting risk assessments before deploying new technology, providing appropriate training to workers, and implementing safeguards to prevent injuries. While OSHA has not yet issued standards specific to humanoid robots, the general duty clause and existing standards for robotics and automated equipment provide a foundation for enforcement.
Product Liability Law
If a humanoid robot injures a worker due to a defect in its design, manufacturing, or software, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability law. This applies regardless of whether the employer was also negligent. Workers injured by a defective humanoid robot may have claims against the robot manufacturer, the AI software developer, and the companies that produced the robot’s sensors and components.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers injured by humanoid robots on the job are generally eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, as discussed in other posts on this site, workers’ comp does not cover the full range of damages available through a lawsuit, and third-party claims against the robot manufacturer may provide significantly greater compensation.
Emerging State and Federal Regulations
Several states and federal agencies are beginning to address the regulation of advanced robotic systems in the workplace. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has published guidelines for collaborative robot safety, and new regulatory proposals addressing humanoid robots specifically are expected as deployments increase.
As humanoid robot deployments accelerate, additional state and federal regulatory proposals are expected, though comprehensive standards specifically addressing humanoid robots in the workplace have not yet been finalized.
What Workers Should Do to Protect Themselves
Know Your Rights
You have the right to a safe workplace. If your employer is deploying humanoid robots and you have safety concerns, you have the right to raise those concerns with your employer and, if necessary, to file a complaint with OSHA. It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for reporting safety hazards.
Request Safety Information
Ask your employer for documentation about the humanoid robots being used in your workplace, including safety data sheets, risk assessments, operating limitations, and emergency shutdown procedures. You should know how to stop a robot if it malfunctions or creates a dangerous situation.
Document Safety Concerns and Incidents
If you witness a near-miss or an incident involving a humanoid robot, document it in writing. Note the date, time, location, what happened, and the names of any witnesses. This documentation can be critical if an injury occurs later.
Report Unsafe Conditions
If you believe that a humanoid robot in your workplace poses an unreasonable safety risk and your employer has not addressed your concerns, you can file a confidential complaint with OSHA online at osha.gov or by calling your local OSHA office.
Seek Legal Advice After Any Injury
If a humanoid robot injures you at work, consult an attorney who understands both workplace safety law and product liability. These cases are new territory for the legal system, and having experienced counsel is important. If you were hurt by a humanoid robot or have concerns about your workplace safety, get a free case review to understand your legal options.
Looking Ahead
The deployment of humanoid robots in workplaces is accelerating. Companies like Figure AI are moving quickly, driven by massive investment and demand for automation. While these robots have the potential to handle dangerous or repetitive tasks, they also introduce risks that are not yet fully understood.
Workers should not have to choose between their livelihood and their safety. If you or someone you know has been injured by a humanoid robot, or if you are concerned about the safety of robotic systems in your workplace, contact us for a free case review. Understanding your rights today can make a meaningful difference tomorrow.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Injured By Robots LLC is not a law firm. Laws vary by state and may have changed since publication. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice about your specific situation.