BMW is exploring the use of humanoid robots in production for the first time. During a trial run lasting several weeks at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, the latest humanoid robot, Figure 02 from California company Figure, successfully inserted sheet metal parts into specific fixtures, which were then assembled as part of the chassis. The robot must be particularly dexterous to complete this production step.
The German automaker says using humanoid robots can save employees from having to perform ergonomically awkward and tiring tasks. Together with Figure, the BMW is currently testing and evaluating how humanoid robots can be used safely in automobile production.
With the BMW iFactory, its vision for the production of the future, BMW is always on the lookout for new technologies. Efficiency, digitalization and sustainability are central to this vision to realization.
During the trial run, the BMW Group gained valuable knowledge of what requirements must be met in order to be able to integrate so-called multi-purpose robots in an existing production system. This includes how humanoid robots communicate with the system under real conditions. After the first use in automobile production, the experts at the BMW Group and Figure are collaborating to prepare Figure for future applications in production and continuing to develop the robots, based on the findings.
According to the California company, Figure 02 is the world’s most advanced humanoid robot currently available on the market. The combination of two-legged mobility and advanced dexterity means that the Figure 02 is ideally suited for use in areas with physically demanding, unsafe, or repetitive processes, thereby improving ergonomics and safety for associates. Figure 02 boasts three times the processing power of its predecessor, improved voice communication, better cameras, microphones, and sensors, a high-performance battery, and fourth-generation human-scale hands with 16 degrees of freedom per hand and human-equivalent strength.
The robot is capable of fully autonomous execution of human-like and two-handed tasks requiring varied and dynamic manipulation, complex grasping, and coordination of both hands in unison. It is able place various complex parts with accuracy measured in millimeters and can walk dynamically leveraging efficiencies of the robot’s design.
Currently, there are no Figure AI robots at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, and there is no definite timetable established for bringing Figure robots to the plant. However, BMW will continue to work with Figure for data capturing and training capabilities for the Figure 02 robots.
It doesn't make any difference whether cars are assembled by men or by machines. BMW as well as a lot of other luxury brands are not what they used to be. They are now designed to break down as soon as the warranty is over or what is called planned obsolescence. They are too complicated for their own good and fixing broken parts or repairs are too costly that those who can afford are better off buying a new car than have these things fixed. They depreciate a lot and breaks down more often than not.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds good for all cars will be built exactly the same. Just hoping they will make thighs right with the robots first.
ReplyDeleteTo own a BMW one day............... na so far away lol..........
ReplyDeleteEncourage one's self and always dream big :D