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Figure AI CEO Brett Adcock announced that a Figure humanoid robot completed a 20-hour continuous run of back-to-back shifts at BMW's production facility. This milestone is presented as a significant step in Figure's 2025 goal of deploying autonomous humanoids in real-world applications.

Recent Tesla Optimus videos have sparked discussion around robot foot design, specifically the role of articulated and actuated toes in enhancing humanoid agility and efficiency. A closer look reveals different approaches across the industry.

A PatentVest analysis reveals a significant disconnect between venture capital funding and intellectual property defensibility among humanoid robotics startups, raising questions about long-term viability in a rapidly evolving market.

Newly-formed humanoid robotics company Persona AI has signed an MoU with HD Hyundai Group and Vazil Company to develop AI-powered humanoid robots for complex welding tasks in shipbuilding. Prototypes are expected by late 2026, with deployment from 2027, aiming to boost productivity and safety in shipyards.

Analyses from MIT Technology Review and a Fortune op-ed highlight significant near-term challenges for widespread humanoid robot deployment. Experts caution against hype, emphasizing technical, economic, and, as recent CEO discussions on social media reveal, domestic adoption hurdles related to safety and public perception, while underscoring the role of specialized robotics.