BMW Competes with Tesla Human Robots
Figure has announced the finalization of a commercial agreement marking the introduction of Figure 01, a groundbreaking human-like robot, to BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. This collaboration, the first for Figure since its establishment in 2022, involves deploying the human robot to undertake specific physical tasks, with an initial focus on standard manufacturing functions like box movement, selection, positioning, and platform loading and unloading.
The announcement coincides with the increasing use of human-like robots to perform specific physical tasks in various industries. Figure has not disclosed the number of Figure 01 models initially planned for deployment, but it anticipates starting with small quantities and expanding based on performance goals.
Figure sets itself apart from other human robot designers with its creative approach to building a clever human hand-like robot that is intended to operate safely alongside humans. The business expressed excitement about collaborating with BMW on factory automation, viewing it as a major validation in the industry.
Factory owners, including BMW, have faced challenges in finding human employees willing to perform repetitive tasks, making the deployment of human-like robots an attractive solution. While BMW plans to integrate human robots into various manufacturing processes, including the body workshop, metal sheet, and warehouses over the next year, the specific tasks the robot will perform are yet to be disclosed.
Figure sets itself apart from other human robot designers with its creative approach to building a clever human hand-like robot that is intended to operate safely alongside humans. The business expressed excitement about collaborating with BMW on factory automation, viewing it as a major validation in the industry.
Human robots have been used by automakers such as Honda and Hyundai to perform hazardous and repetitive tasks on assembly lines. As part of Elon Musk’s plan to have billions of human robots by the 2040s, Tesla has also unveiled the second generation of Optimus, a new human robot that is currently under development.
The broad ability of general-purpose human robots with AI-enabled software to move around and learn new tasks, akin to human capabilities, has attracted investor attention once again. However, the practicality of such robots performing a wide range of services in real-life environments remains a subject of exploration.
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