2024-02-16 22:27:11
Startup Figure’s humanoid robots will build the next BMWs
The next BMW brand vehicles will be assembled by humanoid robots that adapt by imitating human workers. Robotics startup Figure announced a significant advance in the world of automation, with the presentation of the first commercially viable general-purpose humanoid robot.
Hitty-Ko explains the benefits and harms of using this technology in factories
The robot called Figure 01 promises to revolutionize manufacturing processes by providing a more versatile solution for automating assembly lines.
Unlike traditional industrial machines, which are designed to perform a single task repeatedly, Figure’s new product can perform a wide variety of tasks.
According to Hitty-Ko Kamimura, an Artificial Intelligence enthusiast, and assisting in the training of private AIs, there is a very interesting potential for using AIs and humanoids, but there is no reason to panic yet. “It is a fact that these technologies are revolutionizing workplaces by automating repetitive and routine tasks. This significantly impacts occupational safety and health. By automating physically demanding or dangerous tasks, we can reduce the risk of injury among workers. This is particularly beneficial in manufacturing industries”, says the professional.
Initial use of humanoid robots in South Carolina.
BMW plans to begin using these humanoid robots at its plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to increase the productivity and efficiency of its assembly lines, while allowing the human workforce to focus on more complex tasks. “The insertion of AI and robots in companies automates many tasks, potentially leading to an increase in productivity and efficiency. However, this change also brings challenges, as while technology is expected to take over various tasks, there is concern regarding the loss of jobs, especially among low-skilled workers”, warns the expert.
In the initial phase of this partnership, Figure will evaluate BMW’s manufacturing processes to identify where to properly fit its robots. Over the next 12 to 24 months, the company plans to integrate robots into various stages of the factory. Therefore, there are plans to expand the project, if performance is good. “The large-scale implementation of AIs and robots can present challenges such as increased demand for electronic components, rising energy costs and the complexity of programming them for specific tasks. For example, the recent microchip crisis involving certain countries presents a barrier to the large-scale application of many technologies,” adds Hitty-Ko.
The professional explains that this reflects the world’s dependence on certain regions for the production of some essential components, such as microchips. “Technology transfer to establish new manufacturing hubs can take years, and industries in this sector may need government support for their success, as financial returns are slow to come due to the high costs of initial installation. Furthermore, the greater the dependence on technology, the greater the energy consumption. This is a cost that must be taken into consideration before implementing these technologies in a business. In some cases, it is possible to reconcile these additional expenses with sustainable energy generation”, adds Kamimura.
We also have costs related to professionals trained to create, maintain and even train these systems. Such professionals are in high demand by the market, which can make the budget quite expensive.
These factors can complicate and delay the large-scale implementation of AIs and robots. “Some studies on the impact of industrial robots have found that although they have not caused total job losses, they have had an impact with some manufacturing jobs being lost. However, new vacancies emerged. However, this transition also resulted in reduced wages for some workers, particularly those in medium-skilled occupations operating machines”, highlights the scholar.
Studies have also highlighted the negative impact of robotic growth on less educated young workers in some regions, suggesting that if manufacturing growth had not been so dependent on robots, there may have been more jobs available for these groups. “These and other studies show that operational functions will be greatly impacted by these new technologies and, more than ever, focusing on studies and training today will be essential to maintaining employment in the future. After all, although it is possible to be replaced in certain tasks, it will take many years or even decades for us to have programs, applied on a large scale, with sufficient cognitive capabilities to replace more complex tasks”, he adds.
About the partnership
The partnership established by Figure, manufacturer of humanoid robots, with a car manufacturer follows a growing trend in large industries, with several companies competing to introduce their general purpose robots to the market. NASA-backed Apptronik, Agility Robotics, and Tesla, with the Optimus robot, are among the main competitors.
These advances suggest that general-purpose robots might soon play a crucial role in manufacturing and other sectors of the economy, revolutionizing manufacturing methods and allowing human workers (who keep their jobs) to focus on more challenging and creative tasks.
Sobre Hitty-Ko Kamimura
Graduated in Pharmacy and loves creative development, with a passion for innovation and technology. Kamimura is an Artificial Intelligence enthusiast and helps train private AIs. His expertise ranges from biotechnology to conceptual software development.
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