BMW Group deploys Figure 03 humanoid after tests with previous version

Figure 03 adds tactile-sensor hands, palm cameras, wireless charging, and speech-to-speech audio over its predecessor. | Source: BMW Group

BMW Group is doubling down on its deployment of Figure.AI’s humanoid robots. The automaker last week announced that, following its successful deployment with Figure 02 at its plant in Spartanburg, S.C., it will deploy the company’s latest Figure 03 robot.

“Plant Spartanburg is the birthplace of humanoid robotics in BMW Manufacturing’s operational day-to-day activities,” said Ulrich Wieland, vice president of production control and logistics at BMW Manufacturing. “Having already successfully completed a pilot with Figure 02 in our body shop, we are now looking forward to deploying Figure 03 for a sequencing use case in logistics.”

The BMW Group said it gained important experience with humanoid robots at Plant Spartanburg in 2025. Figure 02 supported the production of more than 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles. In the body shop, the robot inserted sheet-metal parts for the welding process, a task that demands high speed and accuracy and that can be physically demanding.

“Our 11-month deployment of Figure 02 proved that humanoids are no longer lab experiments — they can be a valuable asset in establishing a flexible, reliable manufacturing workforce,” stated Brett Adcock, founder and CEO of Figure AI. “We are excited to continue our work in Spartanburg as Figure tackles the complexity of the assembly and logistics hall.”

Figure 03 takes on new applications with BMW

The findings gained from BMW’s first manufacturing deployment form the basis for its next steps with Figure 03.

“The robot introduces several new features for expanded applications. These include soft components designed for enhanced safety, wireless charging designed for higher availability, and audio functions for speech-to-speech communication, along with improved hands with tactile sensors and palm cameras designed to increase precision and dexterity,” said Adcock.

In the new sequencing use case, components will initially arrive in larger containers, unsorted. Figure 03 will pick them up and sort them into a sequencing trolley, according to the San Jose, Calif.-based company. The trolley will then be taken to a defined collection point for onward transport.

An automated tugger train or a smart transport robot will then transport the parts to the installation location, where they will be provided to assembly employees “just in sequence.” This use case occurs frequently in automotive production logistics and offers potential for further development and scalability, said the companies.

The use of humanoids is part of the BMW’s broader strategy to expand its automation portfolio with physical AI. The company said its potential lies particularly in monotonous, ergonomically demanding, or safety-critical activities.

BMS said its goal is to protect and effectively utilize employees while further improving workplaces.

BMW tests robots on two and four legs

AEON, Hexagon’s humanoid robot, working in a BMW facility. | Source: BMW

In addition to Figure’s humanoids, BMW is also testing a wheeled humanoid robot from Hexagon AB at its Leipzig plant in Germany. With the project, BMW wants to integrate humanoids into existing car production and explore future applications for humanoids in battery and component production.

Hexagon Robotics released its humanoid robot AEON in June 2025. While AEON does feature two legs, each leg has a wheel instead of a foot. Hexagon said this allows the robot to roll across even surfaces, moving faster than walking, and to step when needed.

Following an initial theoretical evaluation phase and successful laboratory tests, BMW launched an initial test deployment at its Group Plant Leipzig in December 2025. The company plans to do another test deployment from April 2026 to ensure full integration for the actual pilot phase starting in summer 2026.

At its Hams Hall plant near Birmingham, U.K., BMW uses digital twin technology and Boston Dynamics‘ Spot quadruped to make the most of the data it generates. At the facility, Spot runs routine inspections at the facility.