Humanoid Robotics Daily: Safety Lawsuit, World Endurance Record, and Asian Market Expansion
Figure AI Sued by Former Safety Chief Over ‘Skull-Fracturing’ Robot Risks
Figure AI, a rapidly growing humanoid robotics startup recently valued at $39 billion, has been hit with a federal whistleblower lawsuit by its former head of product safety, raising significant concerns about the rush to commercialize powerful humanoid machines.
The plaintiff, Robert Gründel, a principal robotic safety engineer, alleges he was wrongfully terminated in September, just days after submitting what he described as his “most direct and fully documented safety complaints” to company executives.
According to the lawsuit filed in the Northern District of California, Gründel claims he warned CEO Brett Adcock and Chief Engineer Kyle Edelberg that the company’s humanoid robots possessed “lethal capabilities,” specifically that they were “powerful enough to fracture a human skull.”
A key piece of evidence cited in the complaint is an incident where a malfunctioning robot reportedly carved a quarter-inch gash into a steel refrigerator door, demonstrating the machine’s high-force capacity.
Gründel further alleges that the company significantly altered a critical safety roadmap he had presented to potential investors after a major funding round closed. He warned superiors that weakening the plan risked misleading investors, a move his legal team suggests could be interpreted as fraudulent.
Figure AI has publicly denied the claims, stating that Gründel was terminated due to poor performance and pledging to contest the allegations in court. Legal experts suggest this case could be one of the first major whistleblower disputes focused on the safety of emerging humanoid robot technology.
AgiBot A2 Sets Guinness World Record for Longest Continuous Humanoid Walk
Chinese robotics firm AgiBot has secured a new Guinness World Record after its bipedal humanoid robot, the AgiBot A2, completed an unprecedented, non-stop 106.286-kilometer journey. The feat marks a significant milestone in demonstrating the endurance and reliability of commercial-grade humanoid hardware.
The continuous trek lasted three days, from November 10 to 13, and saw the A2 robot walk from Suzhou’s Jinji Lake to the Bund waterfront in Shanghai. The robot navigated complex urban environments, including city streets, highways, and various surfaces, while adhering to traffic rules.
Key to the robot’s endurance was its hot-swappable battery system, which allowed the machine to maintain power and operate continuously without needing to power off. This feature is crucial for future commercial deployment in logistics and service roles that require long operational cycles.
The company emphasized that the A2 unit used for the challenge was a standard, mass-produced commercial model, identical to the robots being delivered to clients, and was not specially customized for the record attempt. The robot relied on its built-in sensing capabilities, including dual GPS modules, lidar, and infrared depth cameras, to navigate effectively through changing light and complex surroundings.
The achievement, officially certified by Guinness World Records, is intended to showcase the stability, durability, and balance control of AgiBot’s technology, demonstrating its readiness for real-world commercial use, such as customer service.
UBTECH Secures $36 Million Government Project for Humanoid Data Center and Education
UBTECH Robotics, a leading Chinese developer of humanoid robots, announced a major contract win, valued at RMB 264 million (approximately $36 million USD), from a government entity in Fangchenggang City, Guangxi. The project is focused on establishing a humanoid robot data collection and testing center, alongside an AI innovation education demonstration project.
The contract’s main product is the company’s latest industrial humanoid robot, the Walker S2. The robot’s capabilities include autonomously changing its own batteries, a feature designed to maximize operational uptime in industrial settings.
The deployment will target several high-value applications:
- Passenger assistance at national border ports.
- Sentry and inspection duties.
- Logistics and commercial services.
- Facility inspections at large domestic steel, copper, and aluminum production bases.
The order is expected to be delivered in December, signaling a rapid deployment timeline for this large-scale government initiative. The deal underscores the Chinese government’s strong push to integrate humanoid robotics into critical sectors and establish a leading position in AI-driven manufacturing and services.
South Korea Launches Major Public-Private AI Alliance for Humanoid Development
In a move to accelerate its national robotics strategy, South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources has signed a partnership agreement with Seoul National University (SNU) to join the M.AX Alliance project. This major public-private collaboration aims to co-develop advanced Artificial Intelligence models for humanoid robots, autonomous vehicles, and AI-driven factories.
The M.AX Alliance, which includes over 1,000 participants from industry, academia, and research institutions, boasts major corporate members such as Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor Group, alongside robotics specialist Rainbow Robotics. The alliance is structured to leverage joint research and large-scale demonstration projects to commercialize advanced AI technologies across various sectors.
The government’s ambition is to drive innovation in manufacturing processes and foster emerging sectors, with a goal of generating over 100 trillion won (approximately $67.7 billion USD) in added value by 2030. The ministry views this collaboration as a critical step toward establishing South Korea as a global powerhouse in AI-driven manufacturing.
Under the agreement, SNU will collaborate directly with manufacturing companies to develop specialized AI models. The companies will provide the necessary data and physical platforms, such as robots and factory systems, for the university to train and refine the AI. Once completed, these advanced AI models will be integrated directly back into the corporate products and factory operations.
Xpeng’s IRON Robot Targets Late 2026 Mass Production with Solid-State Battery
Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng is pushing forward with its humanoid robot ambitions, setting a target for the mass production of its bipedal machine, IRON, in late 2026. This timeline places the company in a direct race with other major players, including Tesla’s Optimus.
The IRON robot, which was unveiled earlier this month, is notable for being the first humanoid robot in the world reported to run on an all-solid-state battery. Solid-state batteries utilize ceramics or polymers instead of the flammable liquid electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion batteries, enhancing safety for operation in enclosed commercial and, eventually, residential environments.
The robot is designed with a flexible, humanlike spine, articulated joints, and artificial muscles, allowing it to move with a high degree of fluidity. Its custom AI robotics architecture enables it to interpret visual inputs and respond physically without relying on a language-based intermediary.
While the company is aiming for mass production, Xpeng has ruled out household chores for IRON’s immediate future. The initial deployment is slated for commercial settings, such as corporate showrooms, offices, and Xpeng locations, recognizing the current safety risks associated with operating powerful industrial-grade robots in unpredictable household environments. The announcement is part of Xpeng’s broader strategy to unify its robotics, autonomous vehicles, and AI development under a single “physical AI” platform.