BMW Deploys Figure 03 in Spartanburg

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.

Launch of Figure 03

On October 9, 2025, Figure unveiled its latest general-purpose robot, called Figure 03. With the help of the Helix AI platform, it can understand speech, analyze and interpret its surroundings, and take appropriate action. Figure 03 is designed for use in the home, where it can do laundry or load and unload the dishwasher. It is covered with soft textiles instead of hard, machine-finished parts. As with earlier models, the face is mask-like and unapproachable. It has integrated palm cameras and fingers with tactile sensors. The company writes: “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) Hundreds of thousands of models are to be produced in the coming years. Further information is available at www.figure.ai/figure (Image: ChatGPT/4o Image).