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Post: Figure’s Humanoid Robots Revolutionize BMW Manufacturing: A Milestone in Commercial Robotics Deployment
Figures, a company specializing in humanoid robots, has recently achieved a significant milestone by securing its first commercial contract to deploy its advanced robots in BMW’s manufacturing facility in South Carolina. This development marks a pivotal point for Figure, which emerged from stealth mode just 10 months prior and rapidly progressed in robot development, outpacing many competitors.
The company’s swift progress is evident from its recent achievement of creating a robot capable of autonomously making coffee following a verbal command, a feat Founder and CEO Brett Adcock likens to a “ChatGPT moment.” This advancement showcases the robot’s ability to learn independently, a significant step towards real-world application. Under the new agreement with BMW Manufacturing Co. LLC, Figure is now exploring initial applications for its robots at BMW’s Spartanburg plant, preparing for their gradual integration into the workforce.
This isn’t the first instance of autonomous humanoids in the workforce. For example, Amazon announced plans to test Agility Robotics’ Digit humanoid in warehouse environments. However, Amazon’s investment in Agility Robotics suggests a vested interest, contrasting with Figure’s purely commercial arrangement with BMW, potentially making it one of the first deals of its kind.
Figure’s Humanoid Robots Revolutionize BMW Manufacturing: A Milestone in Commercial Robotics Deployment.
Adcock, in a video call, acknowledges that while other commercial deals might exist, Figure’s partnership with BMW stands out, especially considering the automotive industry’s history with robotics. He highlights BMW’s extensive robotics experience and the strategic choice of partnering with a car manufacturer.
The collaboration began about nine months ago, focusing on enhancing automation in the Spartanburg plant through more dexterous and mobile robots. Adcock emphasizes the mutual confidence between Figure and BMW’s team and the support from BMW’s executive team in Germany.
The initial focus for Figure’s robots at BMW will be on tasks like body shop work and warehouse logistics, requiring mobility and interaction with objects. Adcock indicates a cautious, milestone-based approach to the deployment, ensuring the robots demonstrate practical utility before scaling up.
Figure’s Humanoid Robots Revolutionize BMW Manufacturing:
A Milestone in Commercial Robotics Deployment. Looking ahead, Adcock plans to maintain transparency about the robots’ development and capabilities, sharing updates and demonstrations online. He believes that the field of humanoid robotics is still far from reaching its peak and anticipates significant advancements in the near future. This progression is expected to evolve humanoids into highly efficient and capable entities, potentially transforming the nature of physical labor and sparking discussions about the future role of humans in a society increasingly reliant on robotics and AI.
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About the Author: Bernard Aybout (Virii8)
