In a bold display, Figure has chosen a dramatic method to retire its F.02 robots, coinciding with the launch of the new F.03 generation. Faced with the challenges of expensive storage and the risks of dismantling, the company sought a creative solution. CEO Brett Adcock turned to social media for inspiration, which led to a surprising suggestion from none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger: "You should melt them."
However, the disposal process was not straightforward. Foundries across the United States and Mexico turned down the robots due to concerns over their lithium-ion batteries. The team eventually found a willing partner in a foundry located in Imatra, Finland, but they were given a strict deadline of just 24 hours to complete the operation.
For the final act, the F.02 robots were programmed to leap into a vat of molten steel. Although the extreme temperatures and electromagnetic interference caused issues with the foundry's cameras, the robots' artificial intelligence successfully guided them through their final jump flawlessly. Schwarzenegger also made a cameo in the farewell video, mimicking the famous line from his iconic role, saying, "Hasta la vista, F.02."
This creative approach to robot retirement has sparked mixed reactions, with some hailing it as brilliant marketing while others express sympathy for the robots' fiery end.
Informational material. 18+.
