BMW Group is deploying Figure AI’s Figure 03 humanoid robot at Plant Spartanburg for logistics sequencing tasks, following a pilot with Figure 02 that supported production of more than 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles in the body shop. The upgraded robot adds wireless charging, tactile hand sensors, palm cameras, and speech-to-speech audio capabilities.

In the new application, Figure 03 picks components from large unsorted containers and transfers them into sequencing trolleys for just-in-sequence delivery to assembly workers. The use case is common across automotive production logistics and BMW Group says the approach offers potential for broader scalability.

In a statement, Ulrich Wieland, Vice-President of Production Control and Logistics, BMW Manufacturing, said: “Plant Spartanburg is the birthplace of humanoid robotics in BMW Manufacturing’s operational day-to-day activities. Having already successfully completed a pilot with Figure 02 in our body shop, we are now looking forward to deploying Figure 03 for a sequencing use case in logistics.”

Hall 52 at Spartanburg, where the BMW X3 and future BMW iX5 will be assembled, incorporates virtual 3D simulation for production planning. Artificial intelligence quality next (AIQX), a camera-based system for visual and acoustic quality inspection, is also deployed at the plant, with BMW Group assessing options to extend it to suppliers.

Source: BMW Group