BMW testing intelligent humanoid robot factory workers

In the age of automation and artificial intelligence, it’s no longer surprising to see automakers investing more in robotics and smart software. From assisting factory workers assemble cars to a robotic car salesman that can help you make a purchase, as well as intelligent driver aids to keep motorists safe on the road, smart technology continues to evolve and become more high-tech.

BMW is no stranger to this as they have also heavily invested in automation and intelligent driver aids. However, they are now testing the use of humanoid robots in car production. That’s right, the BMW Group is exploring utilizing human-like robots in the production line, particularly at the company’s Spartanburg factory in the US.

Dubbed Figure 02, the humanoid robot worker was made possible by California-based company Figure who recently partnered with the automaker. During a trial run that lasted several weeks, Figure 02 was able to successfully insert metal sheet parts into specific fixtures which were then assembled as part of a chassis. The trial test run proved that having humanoid robots can be beneficial for both the factory itself and the human workers.

At the same time, BMW claimed that using a humanoid robot can save employees from having to perform awkward and airing tasks. In addition, BMW gained valuable knowledge during the trial test run of Figure 02 to know what requirements must be done to be able to integrate multi-purpose robots into an existing production line.

“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,” said Brett Adcock, Founder & CEO of Figure.

The robotics company claimed that Figure 02 is the world’s most advanced humanoid robot currently available in the market. With its two-legged mobility and advanced dexterity, Figure 02 is suited for areas with physically demanding, unsafe, or repetitive processes - improving ergonomics and safety for human workers.

The robot itself is equipped with high-definition cameras, microphones, sensors, a high-performance battery, and cutting-edge human-like hands with 16 degrees of freedom per hand along with human-equivalent strength. More importantly, Figure 02 is capable of autonomous execution of human-like and two-handed tasks that require varied and dynamic movements. It can also place various complex parts with accuracy measured in millimeters.

There’s no exact timeline yet as to when the automaker plans to make humanoid robots like Figure 02 a permanent fixture in its factories like Spartanburg. However, BMW and Figure will continue to work and collaborate to further test the capabilities of Figure 02 when it comes to car production.