Humanoid robot starts training at BMW’s U.S. manufacturing plant

SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES — Figure’s AI-powered humanoid robot has begun its training at BMW’s manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
This comes nearly six months after the two companies announced their partnership, marking a step towards integrating advanced robotics into real-world manufacturing environments.
Robot’s cutting-edge capabilities
A recently released video titled “BMW Full Use Case” highlights the robot’s capabilities.
The 5-foot-6-inch, 132-pound machine demonstrates improved skills in grasping complex shapes, navigating obstacles, and precisely placing parts.
One notable feature is its ability to self-correct errors, such as tapping misaligned parts into place with the back of its hand.
The robot can carry payloads of up to 44 pounds and operate continuously for 5 hours, reaching speeds of about 2.7 miles per hour. These specifications allow it to perform meaningful work while maintaining a form factor similar to human workers.
Over the next 12 to 24 months, these robots will be integrated into various processes at BMW’s Spartanburg facility, including the body shop, sheet metal work, and warehouse operations.
The Spartanburg facility, currently the largest automotive exporter in the United States, employs 11,000 people and serves as an ideal testing ground for this cutting-edge technology.
Competitive landscape in humanoid robotics
Figure’s humanoid robot is entering a competitive field, with several other companies developing similar technologies.
Apptronik, for example, has partnered with Mercedes to trial its Apollo robot, while Boston Dynamics continues to develop its Atlas robot for various applications, including auto-manufacturing tasks.
Tesla, with its vast car production facilities, is also in the race with its Optimus robot.
Each company is taking a slightly different approach to development and real-world implementation, creating a diverse and rapidly evolving landscape in the humanoid robotics industry.
Future implications for manufacturing jobs
As AI behavior models continue to develop, significant advancements in the capabilities of humanoid robots are expected.
Their motions are likely to become faster and smoother, and their ability to acquire new skills will accelerate.
The integration of these robots into real-world manufacturing environments is anticipated to increase, potentially transforming production processes across various industries.
However, it will be crucial to monitor the economic, ethical, and societal implications of widespread humanoid robot adoption.
The integration of these advanced machines into the workforce raises important questions about the future of human labor, job displacement, and the need for new skills.
The coming years will likely see continued rapid advancements in this field, potentially reshaping our understanding of work and automation.