The Figure 02 robot, the second-generation humanoid robot from the robotics venture Figure supported by OpenAI, is preparing for duty at BMW’s factory. This new humanoid robot is developed to perform simple tasks on factory floors and is also anticipated to be used as a domestic helper in the future. Here are the details…
Figure 02 Robot to be Tested at BMW Factory
The Figure 02 features a newly designed exoskeleton architecture with integrated cabling. It generates 50 Nm of torque at its shoulders and 150 Nm at its hips and knees. Additionally, it has six RGB cameras around its head providing 360-degree vision (two at the front, four at the rear).
This robot can operate for up to 20 hours on its 2.25 kWh battery and offers three times the computing power of its predecessor. One of the most notable features of Figure 02 is its ability to communicate directly with humans.
Equipped with microphones and speakers, it can converse with people and uses specialized AI models developed in collaboration with OpenAI. It also employs a vision language model to interpret visual inputs and make decisions based on that information.
Now for the most exciting part: Figure 02 is being tested at BMW’s massive production facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This facility is the largest automotive exporter in the U.S. and employs over 11,000 people. The first-generation robots here are tasked with moving parts bins and will assist with sheet metal work and warehouse operations in the coming two years.
Founded in 2022, Figure aims to release a general-purpose commercial humanoid robot, following in the footsteps of other robotic ventures like Boston Dynamics, Tesla’s Optimus division, and Agility Robotics. This new robot seems like a significant step toward achieving that goal.
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