- Figure AI's Helix robot, which previously learned to handle packages and do laundry, can now load a dishwasher with delicate items.
- The rapid progression of Helix's skills, from handling packages in June 2025 to dishes just a few months later, demonstrates the incredible speed of Figure AI's development.
- The ability to handle fragile objects is a significant milestone in robotics, opening the door to a wide range of new applications.
- This achievement positions Figure AI as a strong contender in the humanoid robot race, alongside competitors like Boston Dynamics and Tesla.
- The broader field of robotics is also seeing rapid innovation from other companies like Unitree Robotics, Agility Robotics, and Sanctuary AI.
In the ever-escalating war against household chores, humanity has a new champion: a robot named Helix. And its latest feat? Conquering the dreaded dishwasher. That's right, Figure AI's bipedal marvel, which was just recently seen sorting packages and doing laundry, has now added "delicate dish duty" to its rapidly expanding resume. If you listen closely, you can hear the collective sigh of relief from roommates everywhere.
From Amazon Prime to Prime Rib Dinner: A Robotic Speedrun
Let's put this into perspective shall we? Back in June 2025, we were all impressed when Helix was shown deftly managing packages. A useful skill, no doubt, especially for those of us with an online shopping addiction. Then, in August 2025, Helix was folding our laundry. Again, a domestic game-changer. Now, in what feels like the blink of an eye, it's carefully placing glassware into a dishwasher. The speed at which Helix is mastering these tasks is nothing short of astounding. It's like watching a teenager learn to drive, except instead of a beat-up sedan, it's a multi-million dollar robot, and instead of parallel parking, it's stacking your wedding china. The evolution from handling sturdy boxes to gently placing a fragile bowl is a testament to the incredible pace of AI development at Figure AI.
Why Handling Delicates is a Big Deal
Why are we so excited about a robot loading a dishwasher? Because it's hard. Really hard. For a robot, the difference between gripping a cardboard box and a porcelain plate is monumental. It requires an incredibly sophisticated sense of touch, pressure, and spatial awareness. One wrong move, one slightly-too-firm grip, and you've got a very expensive pile of ceramic confetti. The ability to handle delicate objects is a holy grail in robotics. It's the gateway to a whole new world of applications, from assisting the elderly with their daily tasks to performing complex surgeries. This demonstration isn't just about clean dishes; it's about trust. It's about building a machine that we can trust with the fragile and the valuable.
The Humanoid Robot Race: Figure AI Pulls Ahead
With this latest achievement, Figure AI is making a strong case for being at the front of the pack in the humanoid robot race. While other companies have been focused on acrobatics and brute strength, Figure AI has been quietly building a robot that can actually be useful around the house. And let's be honest, most of us would rather have a robot that can do the dishes than one that can do a backflip.
That's not to say the competition is slacking. Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot, now fully electric, is a marvel of agility and is being positioned for manufacturing and logistics. And then there's Tesla's Optimus, with Elon Musk himself touting it as the future of the company. Recent videos of Optimus sorting blocks and even poaching an egg show that it's also making significant strides in fine motor skills. The race is on, and it's heating up.
Other Players in the Game
The world of robotics is bigger than just a few big names. Companies like Unitree Robotics, Agility Robotics, and Sanctuary AI are all making significant contributions to the field. From robots that can navigate complex terrains to AI systems that can learn from watching videos of humans, the pace of innovation is relentless. We're living in a golden age of robotics, and the next few years are going to be a wild ride.
While we may not all have a robotic butler just yet, the dream is getting closer to reality. Figure AI's Helix, with its newfound dishwashing prowess, is a tantalizing glimpse into a future where we can finally put our feet up and let the machines handle the mundane. Just, maybe, keep an eye on it with the good plates for now.
About the author
