Russian Time Magazine

Become Human Is Becoming Real: When a Robot Becomes More Than a Machine

The startup Figure has unveiled the third generation of its humanoid robot — now wrapped in soft fabric “skin,” able to feel touch, and equipped with skills that once belonged to science fiction. The future isn’t coming — it’s already here.

The Line Between Human and Machine Is Blurring

Every time we hear the word robot, we imagine cold metal, rigid movements, predictable mechanics.
But what if a robot could feel? What if it could stroke fabric, sense the weight of a banana, or wipe away a drop of water?
The California-based startup Figure is challenging our entire understanding of what a “machine,” “artificial intelligence,” or “assistant” can be.
With its third-generation humanoid, the company isn’t just building a robot — it’s giving technology a hint of humanity.

Soft Skin and Sensors: A New Sense of Touch

One of the most striking innovations of the new model is its skin: a soft, elastic fabric surface covered with tactile sensors.
  • The robot can sense touch — a light tap, the tickle of a feather, the cool surface of a tile.
  • The sensors respond not only to pressure but also to temperature — distinguishing a warm cup from a cold window.
  • Thanks to feedback loops, it can adjust its strength — not crushing fruit, not breaking a cup.
This isn’t just simulated sensitivity — it creates a sense of presence, of trust, of genuine interaction, where it’s hard to tell where the machine ends and the companion begins.

The Robotic Butler: From Dishes to Dinner

Physical dexterity is only part of the story. What truly matters is what this robot can do in a home.
  • Dishwashing: Not just splashing water — it sorts dishes, measures detergent, rinses and dries them carefully.
  • Laundry: Separates colors, chooses washing modes, and even handles light ironing.
  • Cooking: Follows recipes, chops, stirs, seasons, and cooks — with precision and consistency.
This is the literal return of the word “assistant.” Not just a “smart home” with voice commands — but a home with hands.

Why California — and Why Now

California has always been the state of innovation, risk, and reinvention.
It’s where startups grow, futurists build, and people want change instead of fearing it.
  • Silicon Valley labs, research centers, and universities are pushing humanoid AI from theory into practice.
  • Diverse communities — from busy families to aging residents — stand to benefit most from real, physical assistance.
  • A high standard of living and a love of quality make Californians ready to invest in technologies that make life easier, safer, and kinder.
So when such a technology appears, the reaction is natural — curiosity, excitement, even a bit of fear. Because this isn’t just another gadget. It’s a potential partner in daily life.

The Tech Behind the Humanity

To make “Become Human” truly humane, Figure had to combine several powerful technologies:
  • AI and computer vision to recognize objects — to tell a plate from a cup, a towel from a rag.
  • Tactile sensors and haptic feedback to gauge the right pressure — firm enough to grasp, gentle enough to handle.
  • Advanced robotic arms and joints for humanlike precision and flexibility.
  • Thermal and safety modules to ensure the robot’s surface stays safe to touch — even while cooking or cleaning.
Each of these breakthroughs is impressive on its own. Together, they paint a picture of a future that seemed like science fiction just a decade ago — and is now quietly becoming reality.

Humanity You Can Touch

This new robot isn’t just a “smart assistant.” It’s a bridge between humans and machines.
  • When a robot can feel touch, it stops being a tool and becomes a companion.
  • When it can help around the house, it gives people back time, energy, and space to create, rest, and connect.
  • When such assistance becomes possible, “help” itself takes on a new meaning — not an obligation, but a choice.

Ethics and Emotions: Questions That Arrive With Progress

With such innovation come serious — and necessary — questions:
  • What does privacy mean when a machine can sense touch and see what’s happening at home?
  • Who is responsible if a robot breaks a glass or causes harm?
  • And are we psychologically ready to accept that a machine can feel?
The good news is that these questions aren’t driven by fear anymore — but by curiosity.
It means that society and technology are evolving together.

Looking Ahead: The Next Frontier

Here are just a few scenarios that no longer sound like fantasy:
  • Home assistants that support elderly people — lifting objects, reminding them to take medicine, and providing companionship.
  • Kitchen robots that adapt to dietary needs, allergies, and family preferences.
  • Service robots in hospitals, hotels, and care centers — capable of comfort as much as precision.
  • Integrated smart homes where robots anticipate needs: turning off lights, checking the stove, or adjusting water temperature.

Why It Matters — For Everyone

  • Life becomes simpler. No need to spend mornings cleaning or evenings doing laundry.
  • There’s more time for family, creativity, and rest — the things that make us human.
  • For people with disabilities, this could mean independence.
  • For parents, it means less stress and more help.
  • For society, it means fewer wasted resources, fewer mistakes, and more innovation and jobs.

When Sci-Fi Walks Into Your Living Room

“Become Human” isn’t just a marketing slogan. It’s a declaration of a new reality — one where humans and machines live side by side, not as rivals, but as partners.
When Figure first revealed its robot, many saw a strange mix of man and machine.
Now it’s clear: this “human inside the machine” isn’t here to scare us — but to support us.
California has always been the first to greet the future — from electric cars to digital revolutions.
Today, it’s meeting its newest arrival: a robot that can feel.
This isn’t a movie plot anymore — it’s the start of a new chapter, where technology finally becomes a mirror of humanity.
2025-11-28 00:00 LIFESTYLE