Account Info
Log Out
English
Back
Log in to access Online Inquiry
Back to the Top
Monthly Journal: Traders' Insights Wanted!
Views 227K Contents 3528

BMW taps humanoid startup Figure to take on Tesla's robot

Robotics startup Figure said it has signed a partnership with BMW Manufacturing to deploy its humanoid robots in the car maker's facility in the U.S., as more companies turn to human-like robots to take on certain physical tasks.
In the video where Tesla's Optimus was seen folding clothes, it doesn't appear to be doing so autonomously. Someone on the bot's left seems to be controlling it remotely.
Figure is one of the top makers of humanoid robots. It is much better than Optimus and will already be used to make EVs.
This marks the first commercial deal Figure has signed since it was founded in 2022. While the company didn't disclose how many robots BMW will be using, the partnership will start with small quantities and expand if performance targets have been met, according to Brett Adcock, chief executive at Figure.
Figure's humanoids will be deployed in BMW's (BMWG.DE), opens new tab manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the largest automotive exporter in the U.S., which currently employees 11,000 people. They will be integrated into the manufacturing processes including the body shop, sheet metal and warehouse in the next 12-24 months, after being trained to perform specific tasks.
"We have designed the robot to be safe next to humans. Working with BMW on automation in a manufacturing facility is a huge validator for us in the space," Adcock said.
Car makers from Honda and Hyundai have been experimenting with humanoid robots to perform repetitive and dangerous work in assembly lines for years.
General-purpose humanoid robots with artificial intelligence-powered software have received renewed interest from investors as they have the potential to move in a wide range of motion and learn to perform new tasks like humans do. Robots currently in use are generally created for specific tasks, and it is not clear if a more flexible robot able to perform a broader array of services will prove viable in a real-life environment.
Sunnyvale, California-based Figure has raised USD70 million from investors last year, led by Parkway Venture at a valuation of more than USD400 million.
Disclaimer: Community is offered by Moomoo Technologies Inc. and is for educational purposes only. Read more
3
+0
3
Translate
Report
12K Views
Comment
Sign in to post a comment