Humanoid robot strength concerns and safety allegations emerge
A former safety engineer at Figure AI has filed a lawsuit alleging the company's Figure 02 humanoid robot tested strong enough to cause serious injury, and claims he was fired for raising concerns. Separately, Engine AI's T800 robot kicked its CEO during a public demonstration, raising broader questions about humanoid robot safety and the adequacy of developer transparency regarding these systems' capabilities.
What happened
Figure AI is facing a lawsuit from former safety engineer Robert Gruendel, who alleges the company's Figure 02 humanoid was shown in tests to be strong enough to 'fracture a human skull,' and that he was fired after raising safety concerns.
Figure AI's spokesperson denied the allegations and stated Gruendel was fired for 'poor performance.'
Chinese robotics firm Engine AI's T800 robot recently kicked the company's CEO to the ground during a public demonstration; the CEO wore padding and was prepared for the stunt.
Reported impact
The incidents raise questions about the actual capabilities and strength of humanoid robots and what information developers should disclose about safety risks.
Index analysis
Maximum torque and carrying capacity specifications do not translate directly into calculations of impact force or potential damage to human bodies, making it difficult to assess the true risks of humanoid robot deployments.
Governance controls
The lawsuits and public demonstrations highlight concerns about transparency and safety disclosure standards for humanoid robot capabilities in the robotics industry.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.