BMW to deploy humanoid robots in manufacturing facility

Robotics startup Figure has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with BMW Manufacturing, aiming to deploy humanoid robots in the automaker’s facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, as part of an innovative approach to certain physical tasks. This collaboration signifies Figure’s first commercial deal since its inception in 2022.

While the exact number of robots to be utilised by BMW remains undisclosed, Brett Adcock, CEO of Figure, shared that the partnership will commence with small quantities, expanding based on performance targets. The humanoid robots will be integrated into various manufacturing processes at BMW’s Spartanburg facility, including the body shop, sheet metal, and warehouse, after undergoing specific task training in the next 12-24 months.

Adcock emphasised Figure’s commitment to designing robots that prioritise safety alongside human workers. The collaboration with BMW represents a significant validation of Figure’s expertise in automation within manufacturing facilities.

Spartanburg, home to BMW’s largest automotive exporting facility in the U.S. with 11,000 employees, will witness the implementation of humanoid robots that are capable of performing repetitive and potentially hazardous tasks. The humanoid robots are expected to enhance efficiency in BMW’s manufacturing processes and contribute to a safer working environment.

The use of humanoid robots in automotive manufacturing is not a new concept, with various car manufacturers like Honda and Hyundai having experimented with such technology for years. Tesla recently unveiled its latest humanoid robot, Optimus Gen 2, as part of its ongoing development in the field. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has even predicted the presence of a billion humanoid robots on Earth by the 2040s.

Investor interest in general-purpose humanoid robots, equipped with artificial intelligence-powered software and capable of versatile tasks, has surged due to their potential to mimic human-like movements and learn new tasks. Figure, based in Sunnyvale, California, attracted significant attention last year, raising USD 70 million from investors, led by Parkway Venture, and achieving a valuation exceeding USD 400 million.

As Figure Robotics collaborates with BMW, the partnership underscores the increasing reliance on humanoid robots in the automotive industry and their potential to revolutionise manufacturing processes through enhanced flexibility and adaptability.