The latest generation of humanoid robots from the California-based company successfully inserted sheet metal parts into designated fixtures, which were then assembled into the chassis.
The BMW Group is currently exploring the deployment of humanoid robots in their production processes. In a multi-week trial at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, the latest humanoid robot, Figure 02 from the Californian company Figure, successfully demonstrated its ability to handle precise tasks, including inserting sheet metal parts into specific fixtures that form part of the chassis. The robot’s exceptional dexterity is crucial for such intricate production steps.
This initiative also aims to relieve employees from performing ergonomically challenging and strenuous tasks. In collaboration with Figure, BMW Group is rigorously testing and assessing the safe application of humanoid robots in car manufacturing.
Milan Nedeljković, a member of the BMW AG Board of Management for Production, commented on the potential of this technology, noting that advancements in robotics are highly promising. He explained that by initiating early test operations, they are identifying potential applications for humanoid robots in production. Nedeljković emphasized that their goal is to be closely involved in the development of this technology all the way through to its industrialization.
As part of its iFACTORY vision, which is centred on efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability, BMW Group continually seeks innovative technologies to enhance future production. The recent trials have provided valuable insights into the prerequisites for integrating versatile robots into existing production systems, including real-time communication between the robots and the production system.
Following its initial automotive production trial, BMW Group and Figure are getting the Figure 02 robot ready for future production tasks while continuing to refine the robot based on insights from the trial. Brett Adcock, Founder and CEO of Figure, expressed excitement about the launch of Figure 02, their second-generation humanoid robot, which has successfully completed its testing phase at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. He highlighted that Figure 02 marks a significant technological advancement, with the capability to autonomously perform a wide range of complex tasks.
Figure claims that Figure 02 is currently the most advanced humanoid robot available, combining bipedal mobility with sophisticated dexterity. This makes it ideally suited for physically demanding, hazardous, or monotonous tasks, thus enhancing workplace ergonomics and safety. The robot features a threefold increase in processing power compared to its predecessor, enhanced voice communication, improved cameras, microphones, and sensors, a high-performance battery, and advanced fourth-generation human-scale hands that boast 16 degrees of freedom per hand and strength comparable to a human’s.
Capable of executing tasks that require dynamic manipulation, complex grasping, and coordination of both hands, Figure 02 can place various components with millimetric precision and walk dynamically to optimize the efficiency of its design.
Although no Figure AI robots are currently installed at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, and there is no set timeline for their implementation, BMW Group plans to continue collaborating with Figure to enhance data capturing and training capabilities for the Figure 02 robots.
