BMW Group has successfully tested humanoid robots in their production line for the first time. The trial, which lasted several weeks at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, featured Figure 02, the latest humanoid robot from California-based company Figure. The robot demonstrated remarkable dexterity by inserting sheet metal parts into specific fixtures, which were subsequently assembled into chassis components.
This development marks a significant step towards integrating advanced robotics into automobile manufacturing. By automating challenging and tiring tasks, the use of humanoid robots like Figure 02 aims to enhance both efficiency and worker safety.
Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management for Production at BMW AG, expressed optimism about the potential of robotics in production: “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 BMW Group’s iFACTORY vision emphasizes efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability in production. The trial at Spartanburg provided valuable insights into the integration of multi-purpose robots into existing production systems, particularly how humanoid robots interact with these systems under real-world conditions. This collaboration with Figure is set to pave the way for future applications of humanoid robots in BMW’s production processes.
Brett Adcock, Founder and CEO of Figure, highlighted the robot’s advancements: “We are excited to unveil Figure 02, our second-generation humanoid robot, which recently completed successful testing at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. Figure 02 has significant technical advancements, which enable the robot to perform a wide range of complex tasks fully autonomously.”
Figure 02 is hailed as the world’s most advanced humanoid robot currently available. Its capabilities include:
Advanced Dexterity: Two-legged mobility combined with human-equivalent strength and dexterity, capable of complex grasping and manipulation.
Enhanced Processing Power: Three times the processing power of its predecessor, enabling more sophisticated operations.
Improved Communication: Better voice communication, cameras, microphones, and sensors.
High-Performance Battery: Ensures longer operational periods.
Human-Scale Hands: Fourth-generation hands with 16 degrees of freedom, allowing precise and coordinated two-handed tasks.
These features make Figure 02 ideal for handling physically demanding, unsafe, or repetitive processes, thereby improving ergonomics and safety for workers.
Although no Figure AI robots are currently in operation at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, and no specific timeline has been set for their deployment, the collaboration between BMW and Figure continues. Both companies are focused on capturing data and training the Figure 02 robots to refine their capabilities for future applications.
GENERAL | Mitsubishi Xforce Wins 5-Star Safety in 2024 ASEAN NCAP
