New humanoid robots have begun working at BMW’s manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, marking the next phase of the automaker’s efforts to integrate human-like robots into its production operations.
The new robots, called **Figure 03**, arrive nearly two years after BMW first started testing humanoid robots at the same facility.
Developed by the American robotics company **Figure**, the Figure 03 features a highly human-like appearance and movement, making it one of the most realistic humanoid robots introduced in an industrial setting.
According to the report, Figure 03 is more than just a prototype with a human form. It has been purpose-built to work alongside employees and share the factory floor safely and efficiently.
Its primary role is to support BMW’s logistics operations by handling large containers filled with unsorted components. The robot identifies, picks up, and sorts individual parts into dedicated sequencing carts, which are then transported to designated assembly points within the plant.
The sorted components are delivered to an autonomous tugger train or a smart transport robot before being taken to the production line, where workers use them to assemble several new BMW models.
BMW says robots like Figure 03 are particularly valuable for repetitive and monotonous tasks that production workers are less enthusiastic about performing.
Figure 03 serves a different purpose from the **Figure 02** robots previously deployed at the same plant. During an 11-month pilot program, Figure 02 robots worked in the body shop, inserting sheet metal parts into the welding process and helping build more than **30,000 BMW X3** vehicles over a ten-month period.
Ulrich Wieland, Vice President of Production Control and Logistics at BMW Manufacturing, said the Spartanburg plant has become the company’s launch site for integrating humanoid robots into daily operations. Following the successful Figure 02 trial in the body shop, BMW is now expanding the use of Figure 03 for logistics sequencing applications.
BMW emphasizes that these humanoid robots are designed to complement existing automation systems rather than replace human workers.
The factory already utilizes artificial intelligence to create complex 3D digital simulations and operates what BMW calls a “virtual factory” to continuously optimize manufacturing processes.
According to BMW, humanoid robots are especially useful for repetitive, physically demanding, or safety-sensitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on work that makes better use of their skills while improving workplace safety.
