Humanoid robot manufacturer Figure has retired its older F.02 fleet by dropping the machines into a 75-ton electric arc furnace in Imatra, Finland, as reported by Seznam Zprávy and Hrot24.cz. Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger oversaw the disposal, which mirrors the climax of the sci-fi film Terminator 2.
Retiring the F.02 Fleet in Finland
Figure chose to melt its older humanoid models rather than dismantle them. The company stated that maintaining the F.02 machines no longer made sense as it transitions to newer F.03 models, according to Seznam Zprávy. Disassembling each unit would require extensive engineering work, and the company wanted to protect its proprietary actuators, electronics, and internal designs from reaching competitors.
Finding a facility capable of handling the task proved difficult. Figure failed to secure a foundry in the United States or Mexico due to safety concerns regarding lithium-ion batteries. The company ultimately transported the robots to a specialized plant in Imatra, Finland, as detailed by Hrot24.cz.
From BMW Spartanburg to the Arc Furnace
The retired units were not merely early laboratory prototypes. Figure reported that its F.02 models completed an 11-month deployment at the BMW Spartanburg factory, where they logged over 1,250 operating hours, handled more than 90,000 parts, and assisted in assembling over 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles.
Before entering service at the foundry, the robots required special preparation. Engineers in San Jose built a training course featuring large inflatable mattresses, using stunt performers to help program the machines for high-altitude jumps. Figure then simulated the drops digitally to ensure precise landing accuracy inside the industrial plant.
The 24-Hour Melting Window in Imatra
During the operation in Finland, Figure operated under a strict 24-hour window comprising six melting cycles. Each cycle provided roughly a 20-minute operational window before the molten steel formed a solid crust. Intense heat damaged onboard cameras and electronics, while the furnace’s electromagnetic fields interfered with surrounding equipment.
Schwarzenegger wore a heat-resistant suit and watched as the machines dropped into the molten metal. The final sequence featured an F.02 robot holding a chain, lowering itself into the lava, and raising its thumb in a direct nod to the 1991 film. Schwarzenegger delivered his signature line, “Hasta la vista, F.02,” as the remaining units entered the furnace.
The resulting metal from the melt was cast into steel bars and shipped back to the United States. Figure plans to use the material to produce a limited series of commemorative items for collectors, while retaining a few intact F.02 units at its corporate headquarters.
Viewers Criticize Company over Unminimized Hardware Destruction
The company published a video of the disposal on YouTube, where it garnered over 600,000 views within its first week. Viewers responded with mixed reactions, ranging from humor to criticism over the lack of component recycling. Commentators drew frequent comparisons to the fictional Skynet network, while others questioned why functional hardware was destroyed instead of repurposed for secondary applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Figure F.02 Disposal
Why did Figure choose to melt the F.02 robots instead of recycling their parts?
Figure stated that manually dismantling every older F.02 unit would have required lengthy labor for its technicians. The company also sought to protect its proprietary actuators and internal electronics from exposure or potential acquisition by competitors.
How long did the robots operate at the BMW factory?
The F.02 units spent 11 months deployed at the BMW Spartanburg facility. During that period, they logged more than 1,250 hours of work, moved over 90,000 parts, and contributed to the production of more than 30,000 vehicles.
What happened to the melted metal after the foundry process?
The roped-in robots were melted down in a 75-ton electric arc furnace in Imatra, Finland. The resulting steel was formed into metal bars, transported back to the United States, and designated for a limited run of commemorative merchandise.
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