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Are cars just robots in disguise? No, those are Autobots, and we could be closer than ever to build them. We have self-driving cars, and electric cars, and now robots are working in automotive factories. BMW even put a humanoid robot to work. 

BMW has a humanoid robot working on cars 

It’s pretty common for humans to fear being replaced by robots and AI. BMW isn’t helping as it hired a humanoid robot to work at an assembly plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. If robots are building cars what’s next? 

The robot has evolving capabilities and has been making significant progress in its training and manufacturing progress. 

AI-powered humanoid robots are experiencing a surge in development to perform an array of physical tasks performed by humans. 

The robots provide a more cost-effective and consistent labor force. So, fewer drivers could be heading to the BMW assembly plant soon, as it wants robots to take over. 

The BMW humanoid robot standing up
BMW humanoid robot | BMW

Also, the Tesla Cybertruck is built by machines and seems to suffer without the human touch for quality control. But it is built by machines and presses, not humanoids. 

Robots might not be drivers yet, but if they quickly learn to handle situations behind the wheel then they could replace satellite-driven vehicles or self-driving cars with sensors and cameras. But the automotive industry is far away from those steps. 

The figure has partnered with BMW to place more robots in the assembly plant. The first robot is 5’6” tall and weighs 132 lbs. It can run up to five hours with a speed of about 2.7 mph. But humans put in eight or more hours a day. 

The robot can pick things up thanks to rubber tips on its fingers. It can understand complex shapes, navigate and avoid obstacles, place parts with precisions, and correct errors with fine-tuning. 

It can pick up items to place on jigs, even when its view is obstructed. It will notice when parts are sitting incorrectly and will tap them into place with the back of its hand. 

I can imagine the robot aggressively smashing pieces together, but apparently, it knows better. This is only the beginning, more humanoid robots are coming.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.