Humanoid Robot Will Sort Components at BMW in the Future

Robotics in Automotive Manufacturing Humanoid Robot Will Sort Components at BMW in the Future

2026-07-01 From Manuel Christa Manuel Christa | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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BMW is expanding the use of intelligent robots in Spartanburg, USA. The humanoid Figure 03 now sorts components there. The developers have extensively redesigned the machine for this purpose.

Figure 03 in action: Thanks to tactile sensors and cameras in its hands, the robot sequences delivered components for assembly.(Image: BMW) — Figure 03 in action: Thanks to tactile sensors and cameras in its hands, the robot sequences delivered components for assembly.
(Image: BMW)

At the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the Figure 03 model is now working in logistics. The humanoid robot picks delivered, unsorted components from large containers and places them in the exact required sequence into a special sequencing cart.

Once the cart is fully loaded, it rolls to a collection point. From there, driverless transport systems take over the further transport. They bring the components directly to the production line, where workers receive them precisely for assembly. The company sees great potential in further expanding this commonplace industrial process in the future to relieve human employees of monotonous tasks.

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Soft Components and Improved Hands

The designers at Figure AI equipped the new generation with numerous improvements. The robot weighs 61 kilograms (approx. 134 lbs) and measures 1.73 meters (5 ft 8 in). To enhance safety, the developers covered the head, torso, arms, and legs with a soft fabric. A new cable-free charging function increases operating time, allowing the system to work for around five hours continuously on a full battery.

Humanoid robotics places high demands on compact actuator designs: motor control, power electronics, sensors, and edge AI must work together efficiently in a confined space. (Image:Texas Instruments (edited))

Brett Adcock, founder and CEO of Figure AI, explains: "The robot features several new functions for extended application possibilities. These include soft components to enhance safety, wireless charging for increased availability, audio functions for speech-to-speech communication, as well as improved hands with tactile sensors and cameras in the palms for greater precision and dexterity."

Practical Tests in Body Construction

The decision for the current model is based on previous tests. As early as 2025, the automaker gained initial experience with the predecessor, Figure 02. Over ten months, the robot positioned sheet metal parts for the welding process and assisted in the production of more than 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles. It demonstrated that it can reliably and repeatedly perform physically demanding tasks under real production conditions.

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