Figure AI Retires Humanoid Robots After Successful BMW Deployment

California-based Figure AI has announced the retirement of its Figure 02 (F.02) humanoid robots following an 11-month deployment at BMW Manufacturing's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant. This pilot project aimed to test the effectiveness of humanoid robots in a real assembly line environment. During their time at the facility, the F.02 units contributed to the production of over 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles and managed the loading of more than 90,000 sheet-metal parts.

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The deployment of the F.02 robots began with an initial setup period, after which they quickly transitioned to operational status on the assembly floor. By the tenth month, the robots were running full shifts, performing tasks that included lifting sheet-metal parts from bins and placing them on welding fixtures with a precision tolerance of 5 millimeters. The robots maintained an impressive accuracy rate of over 99 percent, completing more than 1,250 hours of runtime and walking approximately 200 miles within the facility. Their cycle time for loading was recorded at 84 seconds, which included 37 seconds for the loading process.

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Despite the success, Figure AI acknowledged hardware challenges encountered during the deployment. The forearm of the F.02 robots was identified as the primary failure point, attributed to the complexity of integrating three degrees of freedom, thermal management, and cabling into a human-sized limb. The constant motion placed stress on the microcontrollers and wiring, a concern not commonly addressed in the humanoid robotics sector. These insights will inform the design of the upcoming Figure 03 model, which aims to resolve these issues by eliminating the distribution board and dynamic cabling in the wrist.

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The retirement of the F.02 fleet signifies a shift from pilot testing to larger-scale production. Figure AI's CEO, Brett Adcock, emphasized that the experiences gained from the F.02 deployment have been instrumental in preparing for the next generation of humanoid robots. The company is now poised to introduce Figure 03, which is designed for scaled deployment based on the lessons learned from the F.02's operational challenges.

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Figure AI expressed pride in the accomplishments of the F.02 robots, stating, “Figure 02 taught us early lessons on what it takes to ship.” This sentiment reflects the company's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the field of humanoid robotics.

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• “02 units helped produce more than 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles and load over 90,000 sheet-metal parts during their deployment.” — Figure AI

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• “The forearm emerged as the main failure point due to the complexity of packing three degrees of freedom, thermal management, and cabling into a human-sized limb.” — Figure AI

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• “Figure 02 taught us early lessons on what it takes to ship.” — Brett Adcock, CEO of Figure AI

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The retirement of the F.02 robots marks a significant milestone in the integration of humanoid robots into industrial settings, paving the way for advancements in robotics technology.

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