The BMW Group is exploring the use of humanoid robots in production for the first time.

During a trial run lasting several weeks at Spartanburg in the US, the latest humanoid robot, Figure 02 from California company Figure, successfully inserted sheet metal parts into specific fixtures, which were then assembled as part of the chassis. The robot must be particularly dexterous to complete this production step.

At the same time, using a robot can save employees from having to perform ergonomically awkward and tiring tasks. Together with Figure, the group is currently testing and evaluating how humanoid robots can be used safely in automobile production.

“The developments in the field of robotics are very promising. 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 industrialisation,” said BMW production chief Milan Nedeljkovic.

During the trial run, the group gained valuable knowledge of what requirements must be met in order to be able to integrate so called multipurpose robots in an existing production system. This includes how humanoid robots communicate with the system under real conditions.

Engineers are collaborating to prepare Figure for future applications in production and continuing to develop the robots, based on the findings.

According to the California company, Figure 02 is the world’s most advanced humanoid robot currently available on the market. The combination of two-legged mobility and advanced dexterity means it is ideally suited for use in areas with physically demanding, unsafe, or repetitive processes, thereby improving ergonomics and safety for associates.

It has three times the processing power of its predecessor, improved voice communication, better cameras, microphones, and sensors, a high performance battery, and fourth generation human scale hands with 16 degrees of freedom per hand and human equivalent strength.

The robot is capable of fully autonomous execution of human like and two handed tasks requiring varied and dynamic manipulation, complex grasping, and coordination of both hands in unison. It is able place various complex parts with accuracy measured in millimetres and can walk dynamically.

There is no definite timetable for bringing Figure robots to the plant but BMW will continue to work with Figure for data capturing and training capabilities.