BMW Partners with Figure to Test Humanoid Robots in South Carolina
Figure signs a commercial deal to bring its Figure 01 humanoid robot to BMW's high-yield Spartanburg manufacturing plant. The robots will initially tackle five specific tasks, focusing on repetitive warehouse duties that are difficult to staff with human workers.
Figure announces a commercial agreement to deploy its Figure 01 humanoid robot at BMW's Spartanburg manufacturing plant in South Carolina. Although BMW does not disclose the exact number of robots it will use, the company confirms that the initial rollout focuses on five specific tasks that will be introduced one at a time. Figure expects to ship its first commercial robot within the next 12 months, marking an ambitious timeline for the startup.
The initial applications involve standard manufacturing chores such as box moving, pick and place, and pallet loading. These repetitive tasks represent areas where factory owners consistently struggle to retain human workers. Figure CEO Brett Adcock compares the robot's expanding skillset to an app store model, where early partners like BMW dictate the first batch of practical applications, including early work with sheet metal.
Unlike some other robotics firms, Figure focuses heavily on creating a highly dexterous, human-like hand for complex manipulation. This design choice reflects the fact that human workspaces are built for human proportions and capabilities. Adcock notes that the robot's legs play a crucial role in maneuvering during specific tasks, rather than simply serving as a tool for walking over uneven terrain or climbing stairs.