BMW Group has conducted its first production trial using humanoid robots at its Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, marking a significant step in automotive manufacturing innovation. During the multi-week test, California-based Figure’s advanced Figure 02 robot successfully handled precision tasks including inserting sheet metal parts into chassis fixtures. The trial represents BMW’s exploration of how bipedal robots could complement human workers in ergonomically challenging roles.
Advanced Robotics for Complex Tasks
The Figure 02 robot demonstrated capabilities that set it apart from conventional industrial automation:
- Fully autonomous operation of two-handed, human-like manipulations
- Millimeter-level precision in part placement
- Enhanced mobility for navigating production environments
BMW production chief Milan Nedeljković emphasized the company’s commitment to developing this technology from prototype to industrial implementation, aligning with its iFACTORY vision for future production systems.
Worker Safety and Efficiency Benefits
The humanoid design specifically targets tasks that pose ergonomic risks to human workers, potentially reducing fatigue and injury in repetitive or physically demanding operations. Figure CEO Brett Adcock highlighted the robot’s improved safety features and threefold increase in processing power over previous models, along with upgraded sensory systems for better environmental interaction.
No Immediate Production Deployment
While the Spartanburg trial yielded valuable data, BMW confirms no immediate plans to implement Figure robots in regular production. The automaker continues collaborating with Figure to refine the technology’s capabilities, focusing on system integration challenges and operational safety requirements in active manufacturing environments.
Shaping Future Automotive Manufacturing
This partnership represents a strategic move by BMW to stay at the forefront of production innovation. As humanoid robotics evolve, they could transform automotive assembly by combining the flexibility of human workers with the endurance and precision of machines, particularly in spaces designed for human ergonomics rather than traditional robotic automation. The knowledge gained will inform BMW’s long-term automation strategy as the technology matures.
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