BMW Revolutionizes South Carolina Plant with Figure’s Humanoid Robots as Workforce

Jan 22, 2024 10:07 PM EST

HIGH ANGEL OF A ROBOT — (Photo : PEXELS/Alex Knight)

In Spartanburg Plant, renowned as the "Home of the X," where all BMW SUVs from the X3 to the X7, including the latest XM, are manufactured, an intriguing transformation is taking place. BMW is set to deploy Figure's humanoid robot workforce at its South Carolina facility. This luxury automaker has forged a partnership with California-based startup Figure to introduce versatile robotics solutions.

BMW Collaborates with Figure: Humanoid Robot in Spartanburg Factory

BMW is actively engaged in the development and testing of general-purpose robots, in collaboration with Figure, which may soon become integral members of its workforce. Reports had it, labeled as Figure 01, the "world's inaugural commercially viable autonomous humanoid robot" is set to be integrated into automotive production. In the initial stage, BMW, in collaboration with Figure, will pinpoint areas where its capabilities can be put to effective use.

Following this assessment, a phased deployment plan will be put into action at the South Carolina plant. According to TechCrunch, while the exact number of Figure 01 models that BMW will initially deploy remains undisclosed, it is clear that the quantity may increase based on the achievement of targets and successful implementation.

The specific roles that this robot will undertake as it commences work have not been officially disclosed by BMW. However, Figure has confirmed that it will initiate its duties with an initial set of five tasks, which will be introduced one by one.

Figure's Humanoid: Role in BMW Factory

In an interview with Reuters, Brett Adcock, the founder and CEO of Figure, highlights that their humanoid robot offers not only improved productivity and cost reduction in manufacturing but also a safer working environment when collaborating with human workers. It's worth noting that Figure, founded in 2022, has chosen BMW as its first commercial partner.

Reports shared that With a maximum payload capacity of 44 lbs (20 kg) and a maximum runtime of five hours, the electric Figure 01 robot is 5'6" (167 centimeters) tall and weighs 132 pounds (60 kilograms). It can reach a speed of 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) per second.

Its primary purpose is to "reduce the workforce required for hazardous tasks" and provide a solution in industries grappling with significant labor shortages. Moreover, reports Figure is designing these robots to tackle challenging, hazardous, or monotonous tasks within the manufacturing process.

BMW and Figure assert that these humanoid robots will free up employees to concentrate on more critical responsibilities. As stated in a joint press release, these robots are anticipated to contribute to continuous improvements in production efficiency and safety.

Adcock, commented, in the commercial market, single-purpose robotics have been prevalent for decades, but the untapped potential of general-purpose robotics is significant. He further noted, Figure's robots have the potential to empower companies to boost productivity, reduce expenses, and create a safer and more consistent work environment.

During the initial stage, Figure will assess potential applications for implementing these robots within automotive production. Subsequently, the second phase involves a systematic rollout of these robots at BMW's manufacturing facility located in South Carolina.

Reports shared, while BMW's deployment of robots in its workforce has garnered criticism and concerns about job displacement, this move is not unique to the automaker. Some critics, like Michael Walsh of Nerdist, have likened BMW's robots to a "sci-fi disaster," though specific concerns are not elaborated upon.

It's worth noting that other companies, such as Tesla with its Optimus bot, are also embracing similar robotic technology in their operations.