SPARTANBURG, USA: The next-generation Figure 03 robot is being deployed at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the United States.
After a successful deployment with the humanoid robot Figure 02 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, the further-developed successor, Figure 03, will work on complex sequencing applications in logistics.
In the new sequencing use case application, delivered components initially arrive in larger containers, unsorted.
Figure 03 will pick them up and sort them into a sequencing trolley.
The trolley will then be taken to a defined collection point for onward transport.
An automated tugger train or a Smart Transport Robot will then transport the parts to the installation location, where they will be provided to assembly employees “just in sequence”.
This use case occurs frequently in automotive production logistics and offers potential for further development and scalability.
“Plant Spartanburg is the birthplace of humanoid robotics in BMW Manufacturing’s operational day-to-day activities. Having already successfully completed a pilot with Figure 02 in our body shop, we are now looking forward to deploying Figure 03 for a sequencing use case in logistics,” says BMW Manufacturing vice president of production control and logistics Ulrich Wieland.
“Our 11-month deployment of Figure 02 proved that humanoids are no longer lab experiments - they can be a valuable asset in establishing a flexible, reliable manufacturing workforce,” says Figure AI founder and CEO Brett Adcock.
The BMW Group had gained important experience with humanoid robotics at Plant Spartanburg in 2025.
In collaboration with the technology company Figure AI, the Figure 02 robot supported the production of more than 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles over 10 months.
In the body shop, the robot inserted sheet-metal parts for the welding process - a task that demands high speed and accuracy and can be physically demanding.
The collaboration demonstrated that humanoid robots can safely perform precise, repeatable work steps under real production conditions.
The findings gained from this project form the basis for the next step with the successor model, Figure 03.
“The robot introduces several new features for expanded applications. These include soft components designed for enhanced safety, wireless charging designed for higher availability and audio functions for speech-to-speech communication, along with improved hands with tactile sensors and palm cameras designed to increase precision and dexterity,” explains Adcock.
With so-called Physical AI (artificial intelligence), which connects digital AI with real machines and robots, intelligent systems such as humanoid robots can be integrated into real production processes.
Humanoid robotics is a value-adding complement to existing automation.
Its potential lies particularly in monotonous, ergonomically demanding, or safety-critical activities.
The aim is to protect and most effectively utilise employees while further improving workplaces.
