BMW and Figure have entered into a commercial agreement to employ humanoid robots at the automaker’s plant in South Carolina. These are expected to be real assistants capable of replacing humans in labour-intensive processes.
Figure CEO Brett Adcock said he and his partners have already determined exactly what the androids will do. It is assumed that they will work in the body shop with sheet metal. In addition, some of them will find a place in the internal logistics department. This deal will be the first, or one of the first, where not robot testing, but their commercial use will be included.
Automakers and, among others, BMW, have considerable experience in the use of industrial robots. Therefore, it is easier to integrate androids into existing processes here than in other production facilities. In addition, the management of the car brand in Germany fully supports the initiative and considers it very promising. At first, a small batch of robots will be used, but as experience is gained, their number at the plant will increase.
