Humanoid robotics company Figure has announced a major organizational overhaul, consolidating three key technical teams into a newly formed AI group called Helix. The restructuring marks the company's most significant reorganization to date and signals a strategic shift toward AI-driven development.

Strategic Shift Toward AI Integration

The Helix group takes its name from Figure's proprietary VLA (Vision-Language-Action) model launched three months ago. This naming convention underscores the company's commitment to making artificial intelligence the core of its robotics technology. Recent breakthroughs in Helix technology have already demonstrated promising results in providing general intelligent control capabilities for Figure's humanoid robots.

Three Departments Unified

While CEO Brett Adcock didn't disclose specific personnel changes, industry analysts suggest the reorganization likely combines:

• Hardware Engineering: Physical structure and mechanical systems
• Software Systems: Operating systems and application software
• Embedded Systems: Underlying control mechanisms

This consolidation aims to eliminate traditional barriers between hardware and software development—a persistent challenge in robotics.

Commercialization Push in Competitive Market

The timing of this move reflects Figure's urgency to compete in an increasingly crowded field. With rivals like Tesla and Boston Dynamics advancing their own humanoid robots, the restructured organization seeks to:

• Streamline R&D by reducing interdepartmental friction
• Accelerate innovation through synchronized hardware-software development
• Focus resources on overcoming AI control challenges

Adcock emphasized this strategic pivot in his announcement: "Figure's core is an AI company." The statement clarifies the firm's direction as it transitions from traditional robotics toward AI-driven solutions.

Balancing Act Ahead

The reorganization presents both opportunities and risks. While integrated teams could achieve technological breakthroughs faster, merging specialized departments requires careful management. The success of this ambitious restructuring will become evident through upcoming product releases and technological milestones.

The robotics industry watches closely as Figure bets big on AI integration. Will this move give them an edge in the race to commercialize humanoid robots? Only time—and technological results—will tell.

Key Points

1. Figure merges hardware, software, and embedded systems teams into new Helix group
2. Restructuring aims to break down development silos and accelerate commercialization
3. Move reflects strategic focus on AI as core technology driver
4. Comes amid intensifying competition in humanoid robotics market
5. Success depends on balancing integration with maintaining specialized expertise