BMW successfully tests humanoid robots in Spartanburg plant

MANILA: The BMW Group has conducted a week-long production line test involving the use of humanoid robots from California-based company Figure. Per the German marque, the said robots successfully conducted car assembly tasks at its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg. 

Specifically, the human-like 02 robot from Figure managed to insert sheet metal parts into specific fixtures, which were eventually assembled as a component of a vehicle’s chassis. The aforementioned feat is a testament to the robot’s dexterity. 

BMW likewise shared the advantage of using robots to alleviate stress from human employees. To be exact, the said humanoid machines can take over specific tasks deemed to be too awkward or exhausting for the company’s employees. 

“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,” Member of the Board of Management for Production at BMW AG Milan Nedeljkovic said. 

In the future, the Munich-based company is looking to integrate robots into its “iFactory.” For context, the said factory is BMW Group’s vision of a highly advanced production line. Per the car maker, the said facility will leverage efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability. 

For those curious, the Figure 02 is considered by its creators as one of the world’s most advanced commercially available humanoid robots. 

Being described as humanoid, it has two-legged mobility and two arms. It likewise boasts advanced dexterity, making it ideal for physically demanding, unsafe, or repetitive jobs. 

“We are exciting 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,” Found and Chief Executive Officer of Figure Brett Adcock said. 

To clarify, BMW Spartanburg, where the X3, X5, X6, X7, and XM models are built, isn’t likely to use humanoid robots in actual production any time soon. Regardless, the carmaker will continue to work together with Figure to improve the company’s 02 robot. 

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