BMW utilises humanoid robots in Spartanburg plant for automotive manufacturing

ETAuto Desk ETAuto Desk | 08-12 16:20

BMW continues to explore the potential of humanoid robots in its production lines, and the partnership with Figure is expected to lead to further innovations in automotive manufacturing.
BMW Group has successfully tested humanoid robots for vehicle assembly at its Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. Over several weeks, the Figure 02 robot, developed by California-based company Figure, demonstrated its ability to insert sheet metal parts into chassis assembly fixtures. This test signals BMW’s initial foray into the integration of humanoid robots in its production process, aimed at enhancing automation and efficiency.

The focus of the trial was on the robot’s capability to perform ergonomically difficult tasks, typically challenging for human workers. Figure 02, known for its advanced dexterity, executed these tasks effectively, potentially reducing physically demanding jobs and improving workplace safety. This initiative is in line with BMW’s iFACTORY strategy, which aims for efficiency, digitalisation, and sustainability in production.

Milan Nedeljković, BMW AG’s Board Member for Production, said, “This early test is crucial for determining how humanoid robots can be safely and effectively utilised in automobile manufacturing.”

The insights from this trial will help BMW and Figure to refine the robot’s capabilities for future production applications.

The collaboration between BMW and Figure is on-going, with plans to improve the robot’s performance based on data collected during the trial. Though Figure 02 is not yet used in full production at the Spartanburg plant, the successful test represents a critical step in incorporating advanced robotics into automotive manufacturing.

Figure 02 is considered the most advanced humanoid robot currently available, featuring two-legged mobility and sophisticated dexterity. It boasts three times the processing power of its predecessor and comes with improved communication systems, cameras, sensors, and a high-performance battery. The robot’s human-like hands, with 16 degrees of freedom, enable it to perform complex tasks autonomously, making it suitable for physically demanding and repetitive processes.

BMW continues to explore the potential of humanoid robots in its production lines, and the partnership with Figure is expected to lead to further innovations in automotive manufacturing.

As BMW and Figure collected invaluable insights from this trial, the successful test demonstrates the viability of using advanced robotics to transform the automotive manufacturing process. The ongoing collaboration aims to refine these technologies to enhance production efficiency and workplace safety.

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