Figure to Boost Humanoid Robot Production to 100,000 Units Annually as Baidu Slashes AI Costs with Ernie Systems

Figure is expanding its humanoid robot production at the BotQ factory, increasing annual output from 12,000 to 100,000 units by adopting faster manufacturing techniques like injection molding and die-casting. Its in-house AI, Helix, optimizes material transport and task management, enhancing efficiency. Meanwhile, China’s AI price war escalates as Baidu unveils Ernie X1, rivaling DeepSeek R1 at half the cost, with Ernie 4.5 slated for open-source release in June. Apple faces delays in its Siri upgrade, citing accuracy concerns and internal restructuring to refine its AI performance before launch in 2026.

Table of Contents

• Figure Scales Robot Production
• China’s AI Price War Heats Up
• Siri’s AI Makeover Delayed

Figure Scales Robot Production

Production Ramp-Up Plan

California-based Figure is making a bold move to scale its robot production at the BotQ factory from 12,000 to 100,000 humanoid units annually.

• Innovative Methods:
  By switching to injection molding and die-casting, Figure has drastically cut part fabrication time from weeks to seconds.
• In-House AI System:
  An in-house artificial intelligence system named Helix is replacing traditional conveyor belts. Helix directs humanoid workers to transport materials and handle repetitive tasks, creating a process as smooth as a well-tuned orchestra.

China’s AI Price War Heats Up

Baidu’s Competitive Move

Baidu has made waves in the AI arms race with its Ernie X1 and plans for an open-source Ernie 4.5.

• Cost Reduction:
  The Ernie X1 reportedly matches the performance of DeepSeek R1 while cutting costs in half.
• Upcoming Ernie 4.5:
  This version promises enhancements in logic, coding, and error reduction, allegedly keeping pace with GPT-4. Baidu plans to open-source Ernie 4.5 in June, intensifying the competition and raising the pressure on Western AI firms to provide better value for their higher prices.

Siri’s AI Makeover Delayed

Apple’s Challenges

Apple’s significant upgrade to Siri has been postponed until at least 2026 due to unsatisfactory accuracy levels.

• Current Accuracy Rates:
  Internal tests indicate that Siri’s accuracy ranges between 66% to 80%—not up to par for a company renowned for polished user experiences.
• Restructuring the AI Division:
  To address these issues, Apple has restructured its AI division, positioning senior managers directly under AI chief John Giannandrea. Apple is committed to upholding its reputation and aims to deliver a flawless assistant, even as competitors rush out updates.

That’s all for today’s AI highlights!

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