AI robots melted in 75-ton molten steel
The future of robotics often involves complex engineering, but sometimes, the most efficient solution is a spectacular act of industrial demolition. That’s exactly what the U.S.-based company Figure decided to do with its aging fleet of AI robots.
Facing a growing need for newer models, Figure needed to decommission its older F.02 robots. The challenge wasn’t just the physical task; it was the proprietary technology locked within the machines. Disassembling them was time-consuming and complex, and Figure couldn’t simply hand off the assets to a third party without risking the exposure of their core intellectual property.
Seeking a creative solution, CEO Brett Adcock turned to social media for inspiration on how to give the robots a “proper sendoff.” The unexpected idea came from the franchise icon himself: Arnold Schwarzenegger suggested, “You should melt them.”
The idea quickly morphed into an epic, high-stakes stunt. The Figure team orchestrated an extraordinary journey, transforming the decommissioning into a spectacle worthy of Hollywood. This involved training the robots to jump from the second story of the office building onto an airbag, a feat that required careful coordination and references to stunt artists to ensure the precision of the maneuver.
The robots were then destined for the crucible. They were dropped into a 75-ton furnace filled with molten steel, where the extreme heat and powerful electromagnetic fields of the high-voltage electricity would dissolve the old hardware.
Logistics proved to be a masterclass in planning. The team successfully secured a foundry in Finland willing to accept the robots, setting a strict deadline of 24 hours and six melts to complete the process. Remarkably, the operation was a complete success. The F.02 AI robots functioned perfectly right up to the moment they were immersed in the molten metal, enduring the intense heat and electromagnetic forces.
The resulting metal bars were not discarded; they were reclaimed. These molten remnants were taken back to the U.S. and machined into limited-edition memorabilia, turning industrial waste into unique keepsakes for the company.
Most of the F.02 fleet has since been melted down and recycled, giving Figure much-needed space to focus on its next generation of robot models without compromising proprietary technology. The decommissioning process delivered more than just space; it provided a real-life, Terminator-style ending. One robot even managed to film a thumbs-up sign as it disappeared into the molten steel, ensuring that the end of an era was as memorable as it was functional.
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