Figure AI and BMW have unveiled groundbreaking advancements in Figure 02 humanoid robots with a 400% increase in speed and a sevenfold improvement in task success rate.
The Figure 02 humanoid robot has demonstrated the ability to perform up to 1,000 placements daily, achieving millimeter-level precision in challenging tasks. In a recently showcased video, the robot executed a sheet metal insertion process requiring it to maneuver “difficult-to-handle sheet metal parts” with extreme accuracy, placing them into a pin-pole less than one centimeter wide.
Brett Adcock, founder and CEO of Figure AI, highlighted the complexity of this task, noting that it was “arguably 10x harder than any stationary tabletop manipulation task we’ve showcased before.” Despite these challenges, the robot succeeded in reducing cycle times by four minutes, an achievement critical for meeting production benchmarks.
Adcock expressed optimism for further improvements, stating, “This will only improve as we deploy more robots, collect more data, and improve our AI models.”
The Figure 02 humanoid was tested at BMW’s Spartanburg plant earlier this year, marking the automaker’s first integration of a humanoid robot into its production line. While BMW clarified that no Figure AI robots are currently in operation at the facility, plans are underway for Figure 02 to return in January 2025.
This collaboration emphasizes the potential of humanoid robots to streamline automotive production processes, tackling tasks traditionally performed by human workers with greater precision and efficiency.
Figure AI has garnered robust financial support, securing $675 million in a Series B funding round led by tech industry giants such as OpenAI, Nvidia, Microsoft, and Jeff Bezos. With a valuation of $2.6 billion, the company is well-positioned to expand its technological innovations and industrial applications.
Adcock hinted at the untapped potential in Figure 02, saying, “We are nowhere near the maximum speed that can be achieved by the motors.” This suggests that further refinements could unlock even greater efficiencies, broadening the robot’s appeal across various sectors.
Looking ahead, Figure AI plans to deploy more humanoid robots in real-world industrial settings by 2025.
