Figure AI melted humanoid robots at Imatra steelworks

US robotics company Figure AI sent humanoid robots from the United States to be melted at Ovako’s steel plant in Imatra, Yle reports. The company’s video of the robots jumping into a furnace features actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, but it is not known whether he was in Imatra during filming.

Figure AI says the robots were real. It trained them to jump autonomously, using stunt performers’ movements as a reference, then sent them to Finland to leap into an electric arc furnace. Ovako communications manager Satu Tähkä told Yle she was there and saw the robots jump into molten steel.

The video drew attention around the world and prompted questions about its authenticity and Ovako’s role. Figure AI says the idea to melt the robots came from Schwarzenegger, after the company sought suggestions on social media about how to dispose of its older F.02 robots. The company later invited him to take part in the project.

Figure AI says it wanted to avoid dismantling the old robots individually, which it believed would take too long and delay the launch of its newer F.04 models. It says Ovako was the only factory willing to let the robots jump into its equipment.

The company says it found Ovako with help from the MythBusters team. Jamie Hyneman, the programme’s presenter, had previously visited the plant and helped pass on the inquiry, Tähkä told Yle.

Ovako considered the proposal and assessed its risks before agreeing to take part. Tähkä said the work was carried out safely under expert supervision alongside normal production, with no danger to people, the environment or customer deliveries. She declined to give further details about the schedule, citing a confidentiality agreement.

Figure AI says the metal produced by melting the robots was sent back to the United States and made into decorative items that are now for sale on the company’s website. Yle said it had been unable to reach Figure AI for an interview.