BMW Deploys Figure 03 Robots in Factory Logistics

As reported by Heise News in an article by Oliver Bünte published on June 29, 2026, BMW will deploy the new general-purpose robot Figure 03 robot for logistics tasks at its Spartanburg plant in the US. The robot will sort vehicle components for production, taking over repetitive work to support human workers. Compared to its predecessor, Figure 03 features several upgrades, including soft exterior materials for safer human-robot collaboration, wireless charging, and redesigned hands equipped with tactile sensors and cameras for greater precision. Following successful trials with the Figure 02 robot, BMW is using the new system as part of its broader digital transformation strategy, which also includes digital planning, 3D simulations, and a digital twin of the factory through its BMW iFactory approach. BMW is not the only automaker investing in general-purpose humanoid robots. Mercedes-Benz has already been testing the Apollo robot at its Berlin-Marienfelde plant, where it supports employees with repetitive logistics and manufacturing tasks. These deployments highlight a growing trend across the automotive industry to use humanoid robots for flexible, general-purpose applications on the factory floor.

Fig.: A BMW at a car show

Figure 03 soll im Haushalt helfen

Am 9. Oktober 2025 stellte Figure seinen neuesten Allzweckroboter namens Figure 03 vor. Mithilfe der KI-Plattform Helix kann er Sprache verstehen, seine Umgebung analysieren und interpretieren und geeignete Maßnahmen ergreifen. Figure 03 ist für den Haushalt gedacht, wo er Wäsche waschen oder die Spülmaschine ein- und ausräumen soll. Er ist mit weichen Textilien statt mit harten, maschinell bearbeiteten Teilen verkleidet. Das Gesicht ist wie bei früheren Modellen maskenhaft und unnahbar. Er hat integrierte Handflächenkameras und Finger mit taktilen Sensoren. Das Unternehmen schreibt dazu: „Each fingertip sensor can detect forces as small as three grams of pressure – sensitive enough to register the weight of a paperclip resting on your finger. This precision enables Helix to distinguish between a secure grip and an impending slip before it occurs, allowing fine-grained, dexterous control over fragile, irregular, or moving objects.“ (Website Figure) In den nächsten Jahren sollen hunderttausende Modelle produziert werden. Weitere Informationen sind über www.figure.ai/figure verfügbar.

Abb.: Figure 03 soll im Haushalt helfen (Bild: ChatGPT/4o Image)