BMW To Employ Humanoid Robots To Build Its Future Cars
By Mikelle Leow, 22 Jan 2024
Image via Figure
BMW is shifting its gears into high-tech mode and is hiring humanoid robots by AI robotics startup Figure to speed up car-making manufacturing.
The automaker is diversifying its workforce with the enrollment of ‘Figure 01’, touted as the “world’s first commercially viable autonomous humanoid robot.”
Standing at a modest 5’6” and weighing 132 pounds, Figure 01 is designed to easily integrate into the manufacturing process. With a payload capacity of 44 lbs and the ability to operate for up to five hours, Figure 01 can zip around at a speed of 3.9 feet per second, bringing efficiency and precision to the factory floor.
The mechanical employees are set to rethink the way BMW builds cars by taking over tasks that are either too dangerous, monotonous, or intricate for human workers. Accordingly, this shift will allow BMW’s human workers to focus on areas that require a human touch, with efficiency and workplace safety in mind.
BMW’s Spartanburg factory in South Carolina, famously known as the ‘Home of the X’, is where this forward-looking deployment will first take place. Here, models ranging from the X3 to the X7, including the latest XM, roll off the production line.
Training is a crucial step before these two-legged robots can join the production line. They must learn specific tasks to ensure they contribute effectively to the manufacturing process. A key feature of these robots is their ability to safely coexist and collaborate with human workers, a vital consideration in a bustling factory environment.
The initial phase will involve identifying the most beneficial applications for these bots, followed by a gradual rollout across various manufacturing stages, including the body shop, sheet metal, and warehouse operations.
Brett Adcock, founder and CEO of Figure, emphasizes that these humanoid robots are not just about boosting productivity and cutting costs. They also aim to create a safer working environment, a crucial factor when humans and robots share the same space.
“Single-purpose robotics have saturated the commercial market for decades, but the potential of general purpose robotics is completely untapped. Figure’s robots will enable companies to increase productivity, reduce costs, and create a safer and more consistent environment,” Adcock expresses. “We look forward to working side-by-side with BMW Manufacturing to integrate AI and robotics into automotive production.”
The appeal of humanoid robots lies in their versatility and flexibility, unlike traditional robots that are typically designed for specific tasks. Equipped with artificial intelligence-powered software, these bots can perform a wide range of motions and learn new skills.
The first run will see only a handful of Figure 01 androids working at the Spartanburg factory. More might be hired if they meet their performance and efficiency quotas.
[via Interesting Engineering, New Atlas, BMW Blog, cover image via Figure]