In a groundbreaking move, the BMW Group is venturing into the realm of humanoid robots for the first time within its production facilities. At the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, a recent trial run lasting several weeks showcased the capabilities of the latest humanoid robot, Figure 02, developed by the California-based company Figure. This cutting-edge robot successfully undertook the task of inserting sheet metal parts into specific fixtures, which were then assembled as part of the chassis, highlighting its required dexterity for this critical production step.
The implementation of humanoid robots not only demonstrates technological advancement but also offers a solution to potentially eliminate ergonomically challenging and physically demanding tasks for human employees. Through a collaborative effort with Figure, the BMW Group is rigorously testing and assessing the safe integration of humanoid robots into their automobile production processes.
Milan Nedeljković, a member of the board of management for production at BMW AG, expressed optimism about the developments in robotics, emphasizing the importance of conducting early test operations to explore the diverse applications of humanoid robots within production settings.
Aligned with the vision of the BMW iFACTORY for future production, the BMW Group remains committed to embracing innovative technologies that prioritize efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability within its operations.
The trial run not only provided invaluable insights into the requirements for integrating multi-purpose robots into existing production systems but also shed light on the communication dynamics between humanoid robots and the production system under real-world conditions. Post the initial use in automobile production, collaborative efforts between BMW and Figure are focused on further refining Figure’s capabilities for future production applications based on the acquired knowledge.
Figure 02, hailed as the most advanced humanoid robot in the market, boasts superior technical advancements that facilitate autonomous execution of a wide range of complex tasks. This robot’s advanced features make it ideal for handling physically demanding, unsafe, or repetitive processes, thereby enhancing ergonomics and safety for workers.
With enhanced processing power, improved communication functionalities, advanced sensors, and human-scale hands with exceptional dexterity, Figure 02 is a testament to the latest technological innovations in robotics.
While there are currently no Figure AI robots operational at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, ongoing collaborations between BMW and Figure aim to enhance data capturing and training capabilities for the Figure 02 robots, paving the way for potential future integration into the plant’s production processes.