BMW plans to introduce humanoid robots from the Figure company into one of its production plants in the United States. A first in the history of robotics and automobiles!
Clearly, Figure 01 is moving up the ranks very quickly! After showing that he knows how to make coffee by learning like a human, he will soon take his first steps in the factory. Not just any robot, since it was BMW which chose to collaborate with the start-up that manufactures it, Figure, to integrate humanoid robots into its automobile production processes.
Figure 01: strong and smart
A bit like the Tesla robot, the Optimus Gen 2, Figure 01 is quite close in build to that of a human. Measuring 1.70 meters tall and weighing 60 kilos, he moves at a speed of 4 km/h. It can carry loads easily as long as they do not exceed 20 kilos and has a considerable advantage: articulated fingers! A particularity which allows it to manipulate objects much more precisely than pliers.
Figure 01 will be given tasks that are difficult or even dangerous for a human worker to perform. Don’t panic though, these workers will not be released military man of their job, they will be asked to concentrate instead on the aspects of production which are not yet automated. They will also be responsible for monitoring these robots; it would be that Figure 01 does not ignore Asimov’s three laws of robotics!
In addition to its physical capabilities, Figure 01 particularly stands out from other robots in its learning skills. Indeed, it works thanks to AI and learns by imitating what it watches. A process that allows it to reproduce gestures, refine them and transmit its knowledge to other robots. In robotics, this is what we call swarm learning.
The integration of Figure 01 at BMW and future objectives
Before launching Figure 01 into the deep end, Figure will analyze the sections of the production chain where their baby will be most able to intervene in a relevant manner. This brave little robot will then be deployed in the BMW factory located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The German manufacturer has been established there since 1994 and employs more than 9,000 people in the production of different vehicle models, notably the brand’s SUVs (X4, X5, X6, etc.).
BMW’s idea behind this partnership is obviously to increase its production rate while optimizing operational costs. Will this translate into lower vehicle prices for buyers? Nothing is less sure ! Figure therefore won the first round, knowing that other companies like Tesla or Boston Dynamics are also in the mix and hope to see their robots work one day in the industrial sector.
Source : Futura Sciences
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