BMW is pioneering the integration of humanoid robots in its production processes, marking a significant milestone with the successful deployment of the Figure 02 robot at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. This trial, which involved the robot inserting sheet metal parts into specific fixtures for chassis assembly, is part of BMW’s broader strategy to enhance production efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability.
The Figure 02 robot, developed by California-based company Figure, demonstrated remarkable precision and efficiency during the trial. This isn’t the first time BMW has explored robotic assistance; in May, the company utilized SpOTTO, a robot dog from Boston Dynamics, at Plant Hams Hall for various maintenance tasks. The use of Figure 02 at Plant Spartanburg aims to alleviate workers from ergonomically challenging and repetitive tasks, improving overall workplace safety and productivity.
Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management for Production at BMW AG, emphasized the potential of robotic advancements: “The developments in the field of robotics are very promising. With an early test operation, we are now determining possible applications for humanoid robots in production. We want to accompany this technology from development to industrialization.”
The trial provided critical insights into integrating multi-purpose robots into existing production systems, focusing on real-world communication between humanoid robots and production systems. Following the trial, BMW and Figure are collaborating to further develop the Figure 02 robot for future production applications based on the trial findings.
Figure 02, the second-generation humanoid robot, boasts several advanced features. It offers two-legged mobility and advanced dexterity, making it suitable for physically demanding, unsafe, or repetitive tasks. With three times the processing power of its predecessor, improved voice communication, enhanced cameras, microphones, and sensors, a high-performance battery, and fourth-generation human-scale hands with 16 degrees of freedom per hand, Figure 02 can perform varied and dynamic manipulations, complex grasping, and coordinated tasks requiring both hands.
Although no Figure AI robots are permanently stationed at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg yet, and no timetable for future integration has been set, BMW Group and Figure will continue to gather data and enhance training capabilities for Figure 02 robots. This ongoing collaboration underscores BMW’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement in manufacturing.