Humanoid robot "Figure 01" in training at BMW plant

Robotics startup Figure released a video last week showing its humanoid robot, 01, being trained to perform tasks in a BMW auto plant factory.

The video shows 01 moving several parts onto a jig. The video also shows that the robot can also modify the placement of parts as needed.

Although the tasks are very basic, these low-skill, repetitive, and physically demanding tasks are ideal for an AI-powered humanoid robot like 01. 01 uses neural networks to learn and perfect a variety of tasks.

The robots are designed to work in the same spaces designed for humans, so expensive factory floor redesigns are not necessary for companies looking to implement automation. figure's01 also uses AI-powered language models that allow its human colleagues to more naturally to interact more naturally with each other. For example, instructions to the robot can be given only by voice.

In January, BMW signed an agreement with Figure to consider using the 01 at its sprawling plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. However, neither company has said when the 01 will be deployed at the plant.

In March, Mercedes-Benz signed a similar deal with rival robotics startup Aptronic, which is developing a robot known as Apollo.

Tesla is developing its own humanoid robot known as Optimus. Tesla unveiled a second-generation prototype last year that it claims is faster and more capable than the original design unveiled in 2021, but has not revealed when it plans to deploy an actual example of Optimus in one of its factories.