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HomeTech & SciencesBMW replaces humans with robots, transforming the way cars are built

BMW replaces humans with robots, transforming the way cars are built

Industrial Revolution 2.0: Humanoid robots are coming to BMW!

Learn how new, more agile and sophisticated humanoid robots are revolutionizing BMW's production lines in South Carolina. Is the future of the automobile already upon us?

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A new era for automation

Since the first industrial robots on the General Motors assembly lines in 1961, robotics has come a long way. Today, robots work side by side with humans, performing tasks such as handling heavy parts or high-precision welding, surpassing human capabilities in automotive-related precision.

The arrival of bipedal robots

Unlike traditional robots, which usually come in the form of robotic arms, BMW has integrated a new generation of almost human-like robots into its Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant. These bipedal machines are capable of performing complex tasks using two arms and two legs.

BMW and Figure AI: an innovative partnership

Figure AI, a company at the forefront of robotics technology, has designed the Figure 02 robot, equipped with hands with sixteen degrees of freedom and strength comparable to that of a human. This second-generation robot has been successfully tested at BMW, performing autonomous tasks with remarkable precision.

Communication and integration on the production line

One of the major challenges was to integrate this humanoid robot into the existing production process, in particular by allowing it to communicate with the production line software and human workers, in order to identify the adaptations necessary to optimize its use.

A delicate task delegated

Figure's robot was tasked with inserting sheet metal parts into fixtures during chassis manufacturing, a task that requires dexterity and is particularly challenging for human workers.

The test results at BM

Although the test is now over, and the robot is no longer in action in Spartanburg, BMW sees these experiments as very promising for the future of robotics in automotive production. No definitive timetable has been set for the permanent integration of humanoid robots, but the results encourage us to continue on this path.

Towards the industrialization of humanoid robotics

Milan Nedeljkoviฤ‡, BMW Board Member for Production, stresses the importance of this early testing phase to determine possible applications of humanoid robots in production and to accompany the technology from its development to its industrialization.

An impact on employment and skills

The introduction of such advanced robots raises questions about the evolution of jobs and skills needed on production lines. BMW is committed to training its employees to work effectively with these new robotic partners, ensuring a smooth transition to this new era of automated manufacturing.

Flying cars: end of electric, the first factory in the world launched by this Chinese giant which invades Europe

This article explores the integration of humanoid robots into BMW's production processes, examining how these innovations could transform the automotive industry by increasing efficiency while reducing worker fatigue and risk. Is the era of human-like robots with advanced skills nigh? Time will tell.

Source: BMW press release