BMW Group deploys Figure 03 humanoid robot at Spartanburg plant for logistics sequencing
BMW Group is deploying the Figure 03 humanoid robot at its Spartanburg plant to handle complex sequencing tasks in logistics, building on a successful pilot with the previous Figure 02.
- 30,000
- 11 months
What Happened
BMW Group is advancing the use of Physical AI in production by deploying the Figure 03 humanoid robot at Plant Spartanburg. The robot, developed in collaboration with Figure AI, will work on complex sequencing applications in logistics, picking up unsorted components and arranging them into sequencing trolleys for just-in-sequence delivery to assembly.
The Figure 02 robot previously supported production of over 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles over ten months at the same plant, inserting sheet-metal parts in the body shop. This demonstrated that humanoid robots can perform precise, repeatable tasks safely under real production conditions.
“Our 11-month deployment of Figure 02 proved that humanoids are no longer lab experiments - they can be a valuable asset in establishing a flexible, reliable manufacturing workforce.”
The Figure 03 robot introduces new features for expanded applications, including soft components for enhanced safety, wireless charging for higher availability, audio functions for speech-to-speech communication, and improved hands with tactile sensors and palm cameras for increased precision and dexterity. The new sequencing use case occurs frequently in automotive logistics and offers potential for further development and scalability.
Why this matters
The use of humanoid robots in manufacturing shows how Physical AI can automate repetitive and physically demanding tasks, improving efficiency and worker safety in automotive production.
Terms in This Story
- Physical AI
- AI that connects digital intelligence with physical machines and robots to perform real-world tasks.
- Humanoid robot
- A robot with a body shape resembling a human, designed to operate in human environments.
- Sequencing
- In logistics, the process of arranging parts in a specific order for assembly.
- AIQX
- BMW's Artificial Intelligence Quality Next system for visual and acoustic quality inspection in production.
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