Figure has unveiled BotQ, its new manufacturing facility designed for the high-volume production of humanoid robots. The facility’s first-generation production line will be capable of manufacturing up to 12,000 humanoid robots annually, with plans to significantly scale this number in the future.
Over the past eight months, Figure’s engineering teams have developed an efficient and scalable manufacturing process. The company has also made the decision to bring the manufacturing of its humanoid robots in-house to ensure better control over production quality and guarantee the delivery of high-functioning robots to the market.
A significant focus of the manufacturing process is on vertical integration. Figure has taken on the assembly of core technologies, such as actuators, hands, and batteries, while outsourcing some components to external vendors. This strategy is designed to handle the complexity of producing humanoid robots, which require specialised components, including motors, sensors, and batteries. The company is working closely with global suppliers to build a scalable supply chain that can meet the demand for up to 100,000 robots and 3 million actuators over the next few years.
In addition to scaling manufacturing, Figure has developed the software infrastructure necessary for volume production. Over the last six months, the company has built systems to support manufacturing processes, including Manufacturing Execution Software (MES), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. MES, which integrates all aspects of production into a real-time digital ecosystem, is the backbone of Figure’s operations at BotQ.
The design of Figure’s robots is also evolving to optimise production efficiency. The company has completed the design of its next-generation humanoid robot, the Figure 03, which is engineered for affordability and high-volume manufacturing. Key to this design shift is the use of processes such as injection molding and diecasting, which significantly reduce manufacturing time and costs. These processes allow parts that previously took over a week to machine to be produced in under 20 seconds.
An innovative aspect of the BotQ facility is the use of humanoid robots to assist in the manufacturing process. These robots, powered by AI, will perform tasks such as material handling and assembly, reducing the need for traditional conveyor systems. This integration of robots into the assembly process is expected to increase production speed and reduce human intervention in repetitive tasks, further optimising efficiency.
To support these efforts, Figure has also focused on building a specialised manufacturing team, recruiting experts with experience in line design, process optimisation, and production efficiency. The team is responsible for streamlining the assembly process, including automating certain tasks where quality and speed can be enhanced.
BotQ marks a significant step forward in Figure’s goal to scale humanoid robot production. With its advanced manufacturing processes and innovative use of robotics, the company is positioning itself to lead in the future of autonomous manufacturing. The facility will play a crucial role in meeting Figure’s long-term production targets as it continues to ramp up humanoid robot production.
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