BMW, in collaboration with Figure AI, has introduced the Figure 02 humanoid robot, demonstrating groundbreaking performance in a test conducted at the company’s manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, USA.
The robot increased task execution speed by an impressive 400% and enhanced operational accuracy by sevenfold, according to a report by Interesting Engineering.
The Figure 02 robot is capable of performing up to 1,000 precise operations in a single day, including highly complex tasks such as inserting metal sheets into openings narrower than a centimeter. It skillfully handles irregularly shaped materials without causing damage, showcasing its potential for industrial applications. While the testing is still in an experimental phase, it represents a significant leap forward in robotics technology.
Brett Adcock, founder and CEO of Figure AI, described the trial as one of the most challenging feats a robot has ever accomplished. “It’s ten times harder than anything we’ve previously demonstrated,” said Adcock. He emphasized that further advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and data collection will continue to enhance the robot’s capabilities, underscoring the transformative potential of humanoid robots in industrial settings.
Experimental Testing Phase
The Figure 02 robot underwent its initial tests earlier this year at BMW’s Spartanburg plant. While BMW has acknowledged the success of the trials, the company clarified that no AI-powered robots are currently operating in the facility, and there is no fixed timeline for fully integrating the Figure 02 into production.
However, Interesting Engineering reports that plans are underway for the humanoid robot to return to the Spartanburg plant in January 2025. This raises questions about the potential impact on manual jobs within the facility.
Figure AI Gears Up for Wider Deployment
Figure AI has garnered substantial investor confidence, backed by major players such as OpenAI, Nvidia, and Microsoft. With a valuation of $2.6 billion, the company is well-positioned to accelerate its robotics development. Plans are in place to deploy more robots into real-world environments by 2025. Figure AI asserts that the current capabilities of the Figure 02 are only the beginning, promising even greater innovations in the near future.
