BMW has deployed the Figure 03 humanoid robot at its Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, marking a significant step in the integration of physical AI into industrial production. The robot startup Figure announced the arrival of its latest generation bot in Hall 52, one of the assembly and logistics halls at the facility. This follows the successful use of the Figure 02 on the assembly line in 2025.
The move positions BMW's Spartanburg plant as a proving ground for humanoid robotics in manufacturing. The effort aligns with a broader trend of automakers exploring automation to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs. JPMorgan analyst Jose Asumendi attended the "Home of X" event at the plant on Tuesday, which showcased the company's commitment to the US market and physical AI innovation.
Figure described the deployment as a progression from earlier models, though specific performance data or cost savings were not disclosed. The press release stated that the Figure 03 robot is now operational in an assembly and logistics setting, building on lessons from the Figure 02 trial. No new job impacts or production targets were mentioned by BMW or Figure.
The Spartanburg plant serves as a pioneer for BMW's physical AI strategy, according to the company. Broader adoption of humanoid robots remains nascent, with questions about scalability and long-term reliability. The technology is also being explored for military applications, though BMW's focus remains on factory automation.
Critics caution that humanoid robots remain unproven at scale in complex manufacturing environments, and their high upfront costs may not yet justify widespread deployment. The long-term economic and labor implications of such automation are still unclear.