BMW’s Humanoid Robots Seen Hard At Work At Its US Factory

Image via BMW Group

BMW, the German auto giant, is putting a new spin on production by test-driving a robotic helper at its assembly lines.

Figure 02, a humanoid robot crafted by a California-based company called Figure AI, stands eye-to-eye with the average person at 5’6” and tips the scales at 154 pounds. With a full set of limbs, a torso, and a head, Figure 02 isn’t your typical factory floor fixture. Its electric heart keeps it running for about five hours, and it can stroll along at a brisk 2.7 mph.

BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina became the testing ground for this robotic recruit. In a demonstration video, Figure 02 showed off its skills by precisely placing sheet metal parts into fixtures—a task that demands a delicate touch. BMW highlights the robot’s dexterity, noting that this production step requires particular finesse.

The automaker sees potential benefits beyond just efficiency. “Using a robot can save employees from having to perform ergonomically awkward and tiring tasks,” BMW states in a press release. This suggests a future where robots might shoulder some of the more physically demanding aspects of car production.

Figure 02’s capabilities extend beyond simple repetitive tasks. It can tackle complex, two-handed jobs that require coordinated movements and precise manipulation. The bot’s ability to place intricate parts with millimeter accuracy and walk dynamically showcases the advanced design at play.

Despite the successful test, BMW isn’t rushing to populate its Spartanburg plant with an army of Figure 02s just yet, and there's no concrete timeline for bringing these robots into regular production. For now, the automaker plans to continue collaborating with Figure AI, collecting data to refine the robots’ training.

Experiments like this hint at a future where human workers and humanoid robots might work side by side, each bringing their unique strengths to the assembly line.

[via autoevolution, The Robot Report, Automotive Dive, video and cover image via BMW Group]