BMW uses human-like robots in car production for the first time. In the US plant in Spartanburg, the humanoid robot Figure 02 successfully inserted sheet metal parts into body construction in a real production environment in a test operation lasting several weeks.
Production director Milan Nedeljkovic (55) said: “The developments in the area of robotics are promising. With early test operations, we are now determining the possible uses of humanoid robots in production.”
According to BMW, a particularly tactile ability is required for the production step in question. The bipedal robot Figure 02 can walk and, using two human-sized hands, can skillfully independently place various complex parts with millimeter precision. It is ideally suited for physically difficult, tiring or even unsafe tasks. BMW and the Californian robot manufacturer Figure now want to prepare and further develop it for future missions.
Also at the US car manufacturer Tesla Humanoid robots will be used starting next year. The human-like machines will initially be built in small numbers for internal purposes. The original plan was to introduce the “Optimus” type robot by the end of 2024. The robots are to be produced in large numbers for other companies from 2026.
Humanoid robots are designed to resemble the human form and have been in development for several years at the Japanese car manufacturer Honda and the robotics pioneer Boston Dynamics, which is part of Hyundai Motor. Several companies are relying on the new generation of robots to cushion potential labor shortages and to take on tasks such as logistics, warehousing and manufacturing.