Figure 01 vs Tesla Optimus Gen 2: Full 2026 Comparison (Specs, Price, AI)

Figure 01 vs Tesla Optimus Gen 2 — two of the most ambitious humanoid robots competing to define the future of robotics. This comprehensive comparison breaks down every spec, capability, price target, and deployment timeline so you can see exactly how these two pioneers stack up in 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Figure 01 stands 168 cm (5'6") tall, weighs 60 kg (132 lb), and features 19+ degrees of freedom with OpenAI-powered conversational AI — currently deployed in BMW factory pilot programs.
• Tesla Optimus Gen 2 stands 168 cm (5'6") tall, weighs 57 kg (126 lb), with 28 DOF and Tesla's FSD-derived AI stack — targeting mass production at Tesla's Fremont factory by end of 2026.
• Figure 01 wins on dexterity, AI integration (OpenAI partnership), and current real-world deployment status.
• Tesla Optimus wins on walking speed, manufacturing scale potential, and price target ($20K-$30K vs estimated $30K-$50K).
• Both robots are transitioning from prototypes to commercial deployment in 2026 — a pivotal year for humanoid robotics.

Figure 01 vs Tesla Optimus Gen 2: Full Specification Comparison

Figure 01: Everything You Need to Know (2026 Update)

Figure 01 represents Figure AI's debut humanoid robot and the foundation for their rapid evolution in the humanoid space. As the robot that launched a $39 billion company valuation, Figure 01 has proven that AI-first humanoid design can achieve real-world task completion at a level that surprised the industry.

Design and Build

Standing at 168 cm (5'6") and weighing 60 kg (132 lb), Figure 01 was deliberately designed to operate in human-scale environments. The compact form factor allows it to navigate standard doorways, fit into existing workspaces, and interact with equipment designed for human workers without modification.

The M107 joint motor from Unitree provides high torque and precision for manipulation tasks, while the 864 Wh H1 battery pack delivers approximately 5 hours of operational runtime — one of the longest battery lives in the full-size humanoid category.

Core Technologies

• OpenAI Integration: Figure 01 became the first humanoid robot to demonstrate natural language conversation while performing physical tasks, thanks to its partnership with OpenAI. The robot can understand verbal instructions, explain its actions, and engage in real-time dialogue.
• Helix AI Foundation Model: Figure's proprietary Helix system enables the robot to learn new tasks by watching demonstrations — a "learn by watching" approach that dramatically reduces programming time.
• Swarm Intelligence: Skills learned by one Figure robot can be distributed across the entire fleet, accelerating capability rollout.

Price and Availability

Figure 01 is estimated to cost between $30,000 and $50,000, though exact pricing depends on configuration and deployment context. The robot is currently available through enterprise partnerships, with BMW being the most prominent partner — Figure robots are actively deployed in BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina manufacturing facility.

Consumer availability is not expected for Figure 01 specifically; Figure AI has announced Figure 03 as their consumer-focused product targeting late 2026 deployment.

Tesla Optimus Gen 2: Everything You Need to Know (2026 Update)

Tesla Optimus Gen 2 represents Tesla's second-generation humanoid robot, revealed in December 2023, and the platform that Tesla is using to build toward mass production. While Gen 3 is imminent (expected February 2026), Gen 2 remains the most thoroughly documented iteration of Tesla's humanoid program.

Design and Build

At 168 cm (5'6") and 57 kg (126 lb), Tesla Optimus Gen 2 shed 10 kg from its predecessor, improving balance and energy efficiency. The human-proportioned design follows Tesla's design philosophy of sleek, approachable aesthetics — a robot that doesn't intimidate.

The 28 degrees of freedom include 11 DOF per hand with tactile sensing in all fingers, enabling the robot to handle delicate objects like eggs without crushing them — a capability Tesla demonstrated repeatedly.

Core Technologies

• Tesla FSD-Derived AI: Optimus leverages Tesla's Full Self-Driving neural network architecture, trained on billions of miles of real-world data. This "vision-only" approach uses cameras rather than LiDAR for environmental perception.
• Tesla Custom Actuators: All motors and actuators are designed and manufactured by Tesla, enabling tighter integration and cost optimization at scale.
• Fleet Learning: Like Tesla vehicles, Optimus robots can share learned behaviors across the fleet through Tesla's neural network infrastructure.

Price and Availability

Tesla has targeted a price under $30,000 at mass production scale — Elon Musk has suggested prices could eventually reach $20,000. The Fremont factory is being repurposed from Model S/X production (discontinued Q2 2026) to Optimus manufacturing.

Mass production is targeted before the end of 2026, with consumer sales expected to begin in late 2027. Currently, Optimus robots are used only within Tesla's own manufacturing facilities.

Head-to-Head: Figure 01 vs Tesla Optimus Gen 2 Performance Comparison

1. Agility and Mobility

Winner: Tesla Optimus Gen 2

Tesla Optimus Gen 2 walks nearly twice as fast as Figure 01 — 8 km/h (5 mph) versus 4.3 km/h (2.7 mph). For industrial applications where robots need to traverse large factory floors or warehouses, this speed difference translates to meaningful productivity gains.

Tesla has also demonstrated more dynamic movements including squats, yoga poses, and dancing, suggesting superior balance and range of motion. Figure 01's locomotion focuses on reliability over speed, prioritizing stable, predictable movement in manufacturing environments.

2. Dexterity and Manipulation

Winner: Figure 01

Figure 01's demonstration videos have consistently shown more impressive manipulation capabilities — making coffee, loading dishwashers, handling tools, and performing multi-step tasks with fluid motion. The OpenAI-powered conversational interface allows operators to give verbal instructions that the robot translates into complex manipulation sequences.

Tesla Optimus Gen 2's 11-DOF hands with tactile sensing are technically impressive, but public demonstrations have shown more limited real-world task completion compared to Figure's videos. Tesla's approach relies more heavily on end-to-end neural network learning, which is still maturing.

3. AI and Software

Winner: Figure 01

Figure's OpenAI partnership gives it a significant AI advantage today. Figure 01 demonstrated the first humanoid robot holding a real-time conversation while performing physical tasks — asking why it handed someone an apple and responding "I gave you the apple because it's the only edible item I can provide." This natural language integration is years ahead of Tesla's current public demonstrations.

Tesla's FSD-derived AI has massive potential given Tesla's experience with real-world neural networks, but Optimus hasn't demonstrated comparable conversational or reasoning capabilities publicly. Tesla's advantage is scale: their AI infrastructure processes billions of data points from vehicles, which could accelerate Optimus learning once deployed at scale.

4. Sensors and Perception

Winner: Figure 01

Figure 01 uses a multi-sensor approach including 3D LiDAR (MID-360) and Intel RealSense D435i depth cameras for omnidirectional environmental perception. This sensor fusion provides reliable obstacle detection and spatial awareness in complex environments.

Tesla Optimus uses a vision-only approach with cameras, similar to Tesla vehicles that removed radar and ultrasonic sensors. While Tesla argues cameras are sufficient (humans navigate with vision alone), the vision-only approach can struggle in low-light conditions or with transparent/reflective surfaces where LiDAR excels.

5. Price and Value

Winner: Tesla Optimus Gen 2

Tesla's target price of $20,000-$30,000 at mass production scale significantly undercuts Figure 01's estimated $30,000-$50,000. At a $20,000 price point, businesses could deploy 2-2.5 Optimus robots for every Figure 01.

Tesla's vertical integration — designing and manufacturing their own motors, batteries, and electronics — creates a cost structure that's difficult for startups to match. If Tesla achieves mass production scale, they could redefine humanoid economics.

6. Build Quality and Durability

Tie — Insufficient Data

Neither company has released detailed durability specifications or MTBF (mean time between failures) data. Both robots use electric actuation and are designed for indoor industrial environments. Without IP ratings, operating temperature ranges, or long-term reliability data from real deployments, we cannot declare a winner.

Tesla's manufacturing expertise suggests strong build quality potential, while Figure's rapid iteration pace raises questions about long-term component reliability. This category will become clearer as both robots accumulate more deployment hours.

7. Real-World Deployment

Winner: Figure 01

Figure 01 leads decisively in commercial deployment. Figure robots are actively working in BMW's Spartanburg factory — the first humanoid robots from a startup deployed at a major automaker's production facility. This partnership provides invaluable real-world data that accelerates development.

Tesla Optimus is deployed only within Tesla's own facilities (Fremont, Austin, Berlin) with no external commercial customers. While Tesla has announced plans for broader deployment, Figure's BMW partnership represents a concrete go-to-market advantage today.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Figure 01 if you:

• Need proven deployment now: Figure is the only option for enterprise deployment outside Tesla's own factories — BMW partnership proves real-world viability.
• Require advanced AI interaction: OpenAI integration enables verbal instruction, conversational feedback, and reasoning capabilities that Tesla hasn't demonstrated publicly.
• Value task flexibility: Figure's Helix "learn by watching" approach allows faster customization to new tasks without extensive programming.
• Are in automotive manufacturing: The BMW partnership means Figure has direct experience with automotive assembly requirements.

Choose Tesla Optimus Gen 2 if you:

• Plan for mass deployment (2027+): Tesla's manufacturing scale could deliver thousands of robots at price points startups can't match.
• Need faster movement: At 8 km/h vs 4.3 km/h, Optimus covers ground nearly twice as fast — significant for large facilities.
• Integrate with Tesla ecosystem: If you're a Tesla supplier, partner, or already use Tesla energy/vehicle products, Optimus integration may be smoother.
• Prioritize cost over current capability: At $20K-$30K target pricing, Optimus offers potentially superior ROI if you can wait until 2027 for consumer availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Figure 01 better than Tesla Optimus?

Figure 01 currently demonstrates more advanced real-world task completion and conversational AI capabilities, thanks to its OpenAI partnership. However, Tesla Optimus has superior mobility speed and targets a significantly lower price point. For 2026, Figure 01 is better for immediate enterprise deployment; Tesla Optimus is better positioned for mass-market scale in 2027 and beyond.

How much does Figure 01 cost compared to Tesla Optimus?

Figure 01 is estimated at $30,000-$50,000 based on industry analysis. Tesla Optimus Gen 2 targets $20,000-$30,000 at mass production scale, with Elon Musk suggesting eventual prices could reach $20,000. Both prices exclude service, software, and integration costs.

Which humanoid robot will be available first?

Figure 01 is already available through enterprise partnerships — BMW is actively using Figure robots in production. Tesla Optimus is used only internally at Tesla facilities, with consumer availability targeted for late 2027. For external commercial deployment, Figure leads by approximately 2 years.

Can I buy Figure 01 or Tesla Optimus Gen 2?

Figure 01 is available for enterprise partnerships — contact Figure AI for commercial deployment. Consumer purchase is not available. Tesla Optimus Gen 2 is not available for purchase at any level; Tesla plans to begin consumer sales in late 2027.

Which robot is more advanced?

It depends on the dimension. Figure 01 is more advanced in AI reasoning, natural language interaction, and real-world task completion demonstrated on video. Tesla Optimus Gen 2 is more advanced in walking speed, manufacturing scalability, and hand dexterity specifications (28 DOF vs ~19 DOF). Neither robot dominates across all categories.

What's the difference between Figure 01 and Figure 02?

Figure 02 is the next-generation model with improved capabilities, including the Helix foundation model and longer battery life. Figure 01 was the company's debut robot; Figure 02 is the commercial product deployed at BMW. Figure has also announced Figure 03 targeting consumer home use by late 2026.

Final Verdict: Figure 01 vs Tesla Optimus Gen 2

For 2026: Figure 01 wins on current capabilities and commercial availability.

Figure 01 (and its successor Figure 02) leads in real-world deployment, AI sophistication, and proven manufacturing partnerships. If you need a humanoid robot for enterprise use today, Figure is the only viable option outside of Boston Dynamics' $420,000+ Atlas.

For 2027 and beyond: Tesla Optimus has transformative potential.

Tesla's manufacturing scale, vertical integration, and aggressive price targets could make humanoid robots accessible to businesses that previously couldn't afford them. If Tesla achieves mass production at $20,000-$30,000, they'll reshape the entire market.

The humanoid robot race isn't about which company has the better robot today — it's about which can scale production while maintaining quality. Figure proves startups can build world-class humanoids; Tesla is betting their manufacturing machine can commoditize them.

Explore both options: Figure 01 on Robozaps | Tesla Optimus Gen 2 on Robozaps | Browse all humanoid robots

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Last updated: February 9, 2026. Specifications sourced from official manufacturer documentation, demonstration videos, and press releases. Robozaps is a humanoid robot marketplace — we maintain comprehensive product databases and may earn referral fees from qualifying purchases.

Related: Figure 01 Review · Tesla Optimus Gen 2 Review · Tesla Optimus vs Boston Dynamics Atlas · Best Humanoid Robots 2026

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