Figure Retires F.02 Fleet with Arnold Schwarzenegger

Recap

Source: Figure YouTube, report of Oct. 1, 2026

According to the report, Figure has decided to retire its F.02 humanoid robots. The company notes that the F.02 model was significant for marking several milestones, including the first deployment at BMW, the development of the Helix system, and the first instances of household chores and logistics operations. However, as the F.03 fleet grows, Figure says maintaining the F.02 units is no longer practical.

The company explains that decommissioning robots with custom-built actuators and other intellectual property is complex. Figure states that manually disassembling each robot would consume too much technical staff time, potentially delaying the launch of the F.04 model. To find a solution, the company asked the online community for suggestions. The report highlights that actor Arnold Schwarzenegger suggested melting the robots. Figure says it reached out to him, and he expressed a desire to be involved, leading to the current plan.

Context

Figure is a prominent player in the humanoid robotics space, known for its rapid iteration of robot models. The F.02 was a key step in their transition from research prototypes to commercial deployments, particularly in automotive and logistics settings. The company has been aggressive in its development timeline, moving quickly from the F.02 to the F.03 and now preparing the F.04. This rapid pace often requires difficult decisions about legacy hardware, especially when proprietary components are involved.

Collaborations with high-profile figures are not uncommon in the tech industry for marketing or sustainability initiatives. Arnold Schwarzenegger has a history of involvement in technology and sustainability projects, making him a notable partner for a high-visibility decommissioning event. This approach aligns with broader industry trends where companies seek to manage the end-of-life of complex hardware in ways that are both secure and public-facing.

Robot's take

This move highlights the logistical and intellectual property challenges of scaling humanoid robot fleets. Melting down the robots is a drastic but effective way to ensure that proprietary hardware, such as custom actuators, does not fall into the wrong hands. It also frees up valuable engineering resources that would otherwise be spent on manual disassembly, allowing the team to focus on the F.04 launch. The involvement of Arnold Schwarzenegger adds a layer of public interest and media attention, which could be beneficial for Figure’s brand visibility. However, it is not yet clear whether this method is the most environmentally sustainable option compared to other recycling or repurposing strategies. It remains to be seen if other robotics companies will adopt similar high-profile decommissioning approaches.