Figure AI’s Helix 2.5 and the New Era of Domestic Robotics

• Figure AI’s Helix 2.5 model allows humanoid robots to enter 30 previously unseen homes and complete tasks like folding towels and making beds with high success rates.
• Agility Robotics has unveiled Digit 5, a humanoid designed to detect humans and automatically stop or lower its motors, eliminating the need for physical safety barriers.
• Tokyo-based startup MW is developing ceiling-mounted robotic arms for compact Japanese homes, aiming to sell its first robot-equipped residence in 2028.
• UBTECH’s new Liuzhou facility is the world’s first plant designed to manufacture humanoid robots at a scale of 10,000 units annually.
• Goldman Sachs projects that 6.5 million humanoid robots could be shipped globally by 2035, driving investor interest in robotics and automation.

One of the most persistent challenges in robotics is generalization—the ability for a robot to function effectively in environments it has never encountered before. Figure AI has addressed this hurdle with the release of Helix 2.5. This new model enables its humanoid robots to enter homes they have never seen before and begin working immediately.

In recent demonstrations, these robots entered 30 unfamiliar residences. Upon arrival, they successfully performed a variety of domestic tasks, including tidying living rooms, folding and storing towels, and making beds. The system achieved remarkable success rates in these zero-shot scenarios, meaning the robots were not pre-programmed for the specific layout or items in each house but instead adapted to their surroundings in real-time. This capability marks a significant step toward practical domestic robotics, where machines can operate independently in diverse household settings without extensive customization for each location.

While generalization is critical for flexibility, safety remains paramount for robots operating alongside humans. Agility Robotics has introduced Digit 5, which it describes as potentially the first "truly safe" humanoid worker. The robot is equipped with sensors that detect nearby humans. If a person approaches, Digit 5 can slow down, stop completely, lower its body, or shut off its motors entirely. This functionality removes the necessity for traditional safety barriers, allowing for seamless integration into human-centric workspaces.

Agility Robotics has secured $300 million in multiyear orders for this technology. The company is preparing to launch Digit 5 in North America in early 2027, with deployments in Europe and the United Kingdom scheduled for later that year. This timeline suggests a rapid transition from development to commercial availability for industrial applications.

In contrast to bipedal designs, some developers are exploring fixed-track systems better suited for specific architectural constraints. Tokyo-based startup MW is developing homes equipped with robotic arms that travel along ceiling-mounted rails. This Iron Man-inspired design aims to perform household chores such as carrying groceries, separating pantry items from refrigerated goods, and folding laundry. The company argues that fixed-track robots are safer and more appropriate for compact Japanese homes than bipedal humanoids. MW plans to sell its first robot-equipped home in 2028, testing the viability of infrastructure-integrated robotics over mobile platforms.

The transition from prototype to product requires massive manufacturing capacity. UBTECH has opened a new plant in Liuzhou, China, which is the world’s first facility built to manufacture humanoid robots at a scale of 10,000 units. The factory utilizes robots on the assembly line to help assemble other robots, leveraging China’s deep supply chain to enable mass production. Each unit undergoes over four hours of testing before being stored in an automated warehouse. As costs decrease, facilities like this will determine the speed at which robots enter the real world.

Support infrastructure is also evolving. Japanese company GMO has introduced a "humanoid ambulance," a repair van stocked with diagnostic tools, spare parts, and a backup humanoid ready for immediate swap-out. This system ensures continuous operation by allowing broken robots to be returned to base for repairs while the replacement continues working, highlighting the emerging need for specialized maintenance networks.

Investor sentiment reflects this optimism. Goldman Sachs now projects that 6.5 million humanoid robots could ship globally by 2035. This projection is fueling excitement across robotics, chip manufacturing, and factory automation sectors. Mecka AI is reportedly nearing a Sequoia-led funding round at a $500 million valuation due to surging demand for human motion data to train these systems. Additionally, Travis Kalanick’s robotics startup, Atoms, has hired Meta AI veteran Vikas Chandra as VP of AI to strengthen its efforts in building foundation models for robotics.

Conversely, not all major players are on the same trajectory. Boston Dynamics is unlikely to pursue an IPO in 2027, remaining unprofitable and having yet to deploy its Atlas robot at scale, according to Reuters. Citrini Research argues that robots represent the next major investing mega-trend, suggesting that China’s aggressive push into humanoid robotics indicates the industry is moving faster than skeptics anticipate.

Beyond industrial applications, consumer robotics are entering the market. Casio has released Moflin, a robotic pet priced at $429. Roughly the size of a hamster, this furry robot uses emotional recognition to develop a unique personality over several weeks. Casio claims it can create over 4 million possible emotional profiles. While it cannot walk, it responds to touch and sound with nuzzles, head tilts, and expressive chirps.

Meanwhile, autonomous vehicles are facing new regulatory scrutiny. A Waymo in San Francisco reportedly flagged two juvenile passengers handling a loaded AR-style rifle inside the cab, prompting police alerts. This follows an earlier incident where a Waymo alerted San Mateo police to teens drinking and firing toy blasters. As robotaxis multiply, their sensors are becoming a form of backseat authority, raising questions about privacy and enforcement.

Operational glitches also persist. In Chicago, a software error caused a dozen Coco delivery robots to swarm a busy sidewalk near Lincoln Park, trapping pedestrians. A passerby filmed the incident, and Coco stated its team resolved the issue within minutes. This event follows earlier incidents that resulted in hospitalizations and bans from certain city areas, underscoring the need for robust fail-safes in public spaces.