Revolutionizing Automotive Manufacturing: Figure Partners with BMW to Deploy Humanoid Robots in U.S. Facility

Robotics innovator Figure has recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with BMW Manufacturing, marking a significant milestone in the application of humanoid robotics within the automotive industry. This collaboration represents Figure’s inaugural commercial agreement since its establishment in 2022. Although specific numbers have not been disclosed, the initial deployment of humanoid robots at BMW’s facility will be on a smaller scale, with plans for expansion contingent on achieving set performance goals, as stated by Figure’s CEO, Brett Adcock.

The deployment will take place at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina facility, notable for being the United States’ top automotive exporter and currently employing a workforce of 11,000. Over the next one to two years, Figure’s humanoid robots will be integrated into various manufacturing processes, such as working in the body shop, handling sheet metal, and managing warehouse operations. These robots are designed with safety in mind for coexisting with human workers. Adcock expressed that this collaboration with BMW in automating a manufacturing setting is a significant validation for Figure in the robotics field.

The automotive industry has been exploring the use of humanoid robots for years, with companies like Honda, Hyundai, and Tesla, the latter having introduced its latest humanoid robot in development, Optimus Gen 2. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has predicted that there could be as many as a billion humanoid robots globally by the 2040s. These general-purpose humanoid robots, powered by AI-driven software, are garnering attention for their ability to perform a wide range of motions and learn new tasks, akin to human capabilities. Unlike robots designed for specific tasks, these versatile machines offer the potential for broader service applications, though their effectiveness in real-world settings remains to be fully seen.

Figure, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, has successfully raised $70 million in funding last year, led by Parkway Venture, boosting the company’s valuation to over $400 million. This investment reflects the growing interest in advanced robotics and AI technologies, particularly in their application across various industries. The partnership with BMW is a key step in demonstrating the practicality and utility of humanoid robots in complex, real-world environments like automotive manufacturing.