What we know!

Of the many advancements and benefits the use of robots can bring, time saving for employees ranks high. Using a robot can also save them from having to perform tasks that are both ergonomically awkward and plain tiring.  Working alongside Figure, BMW Group is exploring not only the use of robots, but their safe use.

“The developments in the field of robotics are very promising,” Milan Nedelijovic, a member of the Board of Management for Production at BMW AG, said. “With an early test operation, we are now determining possible applications for humanoid robots in production. We want to accompany this technology from development to industrialization.”

This test is just another example of BMW’s vision for the future, and the automaker’s ongoing commitment to explore new technologies. Through this trial run, BMW gained a great amount of new information, as well as know-how of what requirements must be met in order to be able to integrate multi-purpose robots in an existing production system. This includes how these humanoid robots communicate with the system in real conditions.

This is just the start! Future applications in production will be explored, while continuing to develop the robots.

“We are excited to unveil Figure 2, our second-generation humanoid robot, which recently completed successful testing at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg,” Brett Adcock, founder and CEO of Figure, said. “Figure 02 has significant technological advancements, which enable the robot to perform a wide range of complex tasks fully autonomously.”

Considered the most advanced humanoid robot available on the market, Figure 02 embodies both two-legged mobility and advanced dexterity, making it ideally suited for use in areas with physically demanding, unsafe or repetitive processes. It features three times the processing power of the one that came before, as well as improved voice communication, better cameras, microphones and sensors and boasts a high-performance battery and fourth-generation human-scale hands with 16 degrees of freedom per hand and human-equivalent strength.

This robot is fully capable when it comes to executing human-like and two-handed tasks requiring varied and dynamic manipulation, as well as complex grasping and coordination of both hands. This robot also has the amazing ability to place various complex parts with accuracy measured in millimeters and can walk dynamically, thus leveraging efficiencies of its design.

In general, developments in the field of robotics is promising to say the least, with the Figure 02 embracing significant technological advances, thus enabling it to perform a wide range of very complex tasks autonomously.

The test is a success, and the news is nothing short of revolutionary! Humanoid robotics and automotive production can soon run hand in hand, and these robots are both safe and efficient. See what lending a ‘hand’ – literally –  is all about!