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Figure 03: humanoid robot sorts parts at a BMW plant
· 2 min read
Humanoid robots are ceasing to be just a stage demonstration and are starting to do real work in production halls. The latest example is Figure 03, which sorts components at a BMW plant and prepares them for the assembly line. Let us look at what this robot can do and what its deployment means.
What the robot actually does at BMW
The Figure 03 robot from Figure AI has been deployed at the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Its task is to sort unordered components from crates and place them in the correct order into carts, which then travel to the assembly line.
This is the kind of monotonous and repetitive work that is tiring and physically demanding for people. It is exactly in tasks like these that humanoid robots make the most sense.
Figure 03 specifications
The robot weighs 61 kilograms and is 173 centimetres tall, so it has a build close to an adult human. Its palms contain tactile sensors and cameras, which allow it to grip even a variety of metal parts precisely.
The body is covered in soft textile, which increases safety when working near people. The robot charges wirelessly and can manage approximately five hours of continuous operation, and it can also communicate by voice.
- Weight 61 kg, height 173 cm
- Tactile sensors and cameras in the palms
- Soft textile covering for safety
- Wireless charging, approximately 5 hours of operation
Proven on thousands of cars
This is not the first attempt. The previous model, Figure 02, was tested for ten months in 2025 and, according to the manufacturer, assisted in the production of more than 30,000 BMW X3 units, among other things by positioning sheet metal before welding.
These numbers show that humanoid robots in industry are moving from the experimental phase into real, measured operation.
What it means for industry and companies
The trend is clear. Humanoid robots will gradually take over monotonous logistics and support tasks in production to relieve people of repetitive and tiring work. This is not about replacing humans but about shifting human work towards more valuable activities.
For companies in Slovakia this is a signal that it is worth understanding these technologies now. Renting a robot for testing and development is the cheapest way to verify what a humanoid can really do in your environment.
Sources
<b>Data source:</b> all-about-industries.com (Figure 03 at BMW) and Figure AI statements. The images are illustrative visualisations by robotrental.sk, not photographs of the specific robot.
