American robotics company, Figure AI, has drawn global attention with a striking video showing its humanoid robots being deliberately destroyed in a steel furnace at Ovako’s plant in Imatra, Finland.
The footage opens with dramatic scenes from the steelworks before showing the robots jumping into a container of molten metal, where they are consumed by the intense heat.
Hollywood actor and former California governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, also appears in the video, a notable inclusion given his association with the Terminator franchise.
Figure AI says on its website that the robots were trained to perform the jump autonomously before being transported from the United States to Finland.
The company says the artificial intelligence system used for the training learned from the movements of stunt performers.
Ovako spokesperson Satu Tähkä confirmed that the unusual demonstration took place, saying she personally witnessed the robots jumping into the molten steel.
According to Figure AI, the idea to destroy the machines in such a dramatic fashion originated with Schwarzenegger.
The company had been looking for a way to dispose of older robots. Rather than dismantling them, which it considered potentially difficult and time-consuming, Figure AI sought suggestions through social media. Schwarzenegger reportedly proposed melting the robots down.
Figure AI subsequently invited the actor to participate in the project, leading to the production of the video showing the humanoid machines making their final leap into molten steel.
Finding a steel plant prepared to accommodate the stunt proved to be another challenge. Figure AI says Ovako’s Imatra facility was the only steelworks willing to take part.
The company also sought assistance from the television science programme MythBusters in locating a suitable facility. That effort eventually connected Figure AI with Ovako.
MythBusters host Jamie Hyneman had previously visited the Imatra plant. Hyneman is also an honorary doctor and professor of practice at LUT University in Lappeenranta.
“Because Jamie Hyneman had visited us before, he was able to pass on the enquiry about whether the robots could be melted down here,” Tähkä explained.
The stunt appears to combine robotics, artificial intelligence and Hollywood spectacle, turning what would normally be the routine disposal of obsolete machines into a highly publicized experiment.
Yle reported that it was unable to secure an interview with Figure AI for further comment.
