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BMW Group Explores Humanoid Robots In Spartanburg Plant Production
The BMW Group is exploring the use of humanoid robots in production for the first time. During a trial run lasting several weeks at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, the latest humanoid robot, Figure 02 from California company Figure, successfully inserted sheet metal parts into specific fixtures, which were then assembled as part of the chassis. The robot must be particularly dexterous to complete this production step.
At the same time, using a robot can save employees from having to perform ergonomically awkward and tiring tasks. Together with Figure, the BMW Group is currently testing and evaluating how humanoid robots can be used safely in automobile production. A video released by Figure shows the trial run in the body shop at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg.
"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," says Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management for Production at BMW AG.
With the BMW iFACTORY, the vision for the production of the future, the BMW Group is always on the lookout for new technologies. Efficiency, digitalisation and sustainability are central to this vision to realisation. During the trial run, the BMW Group gained valuable knowledge of what requirements must be met in order to be able to integrate so-called multi-purpose robots in an existing production system. This includes how humanoid robots communicate with the system under real conditions.
After the first use in automobile production, experts at BMW Group and Figure are collaborating to prepare Figure for future applications in production and continuing to develop the robots based on findings. "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 it to perform a wide range of complex tasks fully autonomously," says Brett Adcock, Founder and CEO of Figure.
According to the California company, Figure 02 is currently the world’s most advanced humanoid robot available on the market. The combination of two-legged mobility and advanced dexterity means that Figure 02 is ideally suited for use in areas with physically demanding, unsafe or repetitive processes, thereby improving ergonomics and safety for associates.
Future Applications
Figure 02 boasts three times more processing power than its predecessor along with improved voice communication capabilities. It also features better cameras, microphones and sensors as well as a high-performance battery. Additionally, it has fourth-generation human-scale hands with 16 degrees of freedom per hand and human-equivalent strength.
The robot can execute human-like tasks autonomously using both hands simultaneously for varied dynamic manipulation and complex grasping. It places complex parts accurately within millimetres while walking dynamically leveraging its design efficiencies.
Currently there are no Figure AI robots at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg yet nor any definite timetable established for bringing them there. The BMW Group will continue working with Figure on data capturing and training capabilities for these robots.
The Companies Involved
The BMW Group comprises four brands: BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad; it leads globally in premium automobile manufacturing while offering financial services too. Its network spans over 30 production sites worldwide with sales networks across more than 140 countries.
In 2023 alone they sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles plus more than 209 thousand motorcycles globally generating €17 billion profit before tax from €155 billion revenue employing nearly 155 thousand people by year-end.
Figure AI focuses on developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots aiming at expanding human capabilities through advanced AI technology designed specifically for workforce integration or home use based out Sunnyvale California employing around120 staff members currently.
The success behind both companies lies within their long-term thinking coupled alongside responsible actions ensuring sustainability remains central throughout all strategic directions right from supply chains through productions till end-use phases across all products involved ensuring efficient resource management consistently maintained throughout each stage involved therein.
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