We may not know how strong AI humanoid robots really are

lastmansurfing
Dec 24, 2025
1 min read

Robot demonstrations and lawsuits are raising questions and concerns about the capabilities -- and strength -- of humanoid robots.

First in the spotlight is the robotics company Figure AI, which is facing a lawsuit from former safety engineer Robert Gruendel.

The lawsuit alleges the company's Figure 02 humanoid was shown in tests to be strong enough to "fracture a human skull," and that Gruendel was fired after raising concerns.

In a statement to CNBC, a Figure spokesperson denied the allegations and said Gruendel was fired for "poor performance."

We reached out to Figure and Gruendel through his lawyers and have not yet heard back.