en.Wedoany.com Reported - BMW Group is accelerating its push into smart manufacturing by introducing the humanoid robot Figure 03 at its Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, USA, to perform complex logistics sorting tasks and enhance production efficiency.

This initiative is part of BMW's investment in Physical AI, which combines digital artificial intelligence with machines and robots capable of executing tasks in real industrial environments. BMW aims to optimize productivity, improve safety, and reduce physical strain on workers. Ulrich Wieland, Vice President of Production Control and Logistics at BMW Manufacturing, stated that the Spartanburg plant has become a benchmark within the group for implementing daily operations with humanoid robots.

The Figure 03 introduces several key improvements, including soft components to enhance safety during human interaction, wireless charging to maximize runtime, voice command communication, higher-precision tactile sensors, and built-in cameras in the palms, which significantly enhance the robot's ability to manipulate components. Such automation helps improve logistics efficiency, reduce errors, and promote scalability of processes in future production plants.

The introduction of humanoid robots is part of BMW's overall iFACTORY strategy, through which the German manufacturer is digitizing all stages of production. BMW has also adopted the AIQX (Artificial Intelligence Quality Next) system, a platform based on cameras and smart sensors that enables real-time visual and acoustic inspections and provides instant feedback to operators via digital devices.