Machines, which we call humanoid robots because they have human-like appearance and movements, are gradually developing day by day and gradually started to enter business life and work in most jobs. Finally, BMW has taken an important step regarding humanoid robots. Here are the details…
BMW to test humanoid robots at its plant in South Carolina
Automotive manufacturer BMW is preparing to test humanoid robots at its Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. The test, in which the Model 01 developed by the Figure company will be used, aims to evaluate the use of humanoid robots in production processes. It is also seen as an important step in terms of using such a technology in the BMW factory.
As of 2019, the Spartanburg plant has the highest productivity among BMW’s plants worldwide. The factory covers 74,000 square meters. Although the company has not yet publicized the exact number, it remains unclear how many Figure Model 01s will work in the factory. It is also unclear what tasks the robot will undertake. However, Figure officials say that the robot will initially take on five different tasks in stages.
Figure Model 01’s likely first tasks include standard production tasks such as box handling, product selection and placement, and pallet loading and unloading. It is important to characterize such repetitive tasks as areas that are difficult to do with human labor. Figure aims to ship its first commercial robot within a year.
Although general-purpose robot systems have been on the agenda in this field in recent years, Figure CEO Brett Adcock emphasizes that the reality is different. He states that these robots will initially be offered as single or multi-purpose, but their skill sets can be expanded over time.
The first applications of the humanoid robot will largely be determined by Figure’s partners, such as BMW. Unlike some other humanoid robots, Figure is focused on developing a dexterous hand like a human hand. The thinking behind this approach is the same as favoring the human form of robots. Their workspaces are designed with humans in mind.
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