US's Figure unveils factory to crank out 12,000 humanoid robots annually

US-based company Figure has officially opened a cutting-edge factory dedicated to assembling humanoid robots, with the capacity to produce up to 12,000 units annually.

The new facility will be focused entirely on robot manufacturing, and the process is set to become increasingly automated over time, Caliber.Az reports, referencing foreign media.

The first production line was developed in-house, allowing Figure to maintain tight control over quality, improve assembly efficiency, and quickly implement design changes.

The company has equipped the site with advanced digital systems to monitor every stage of the production process. This includes a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for real-time coordination and oversight, as well as a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system to manage everything from design to operation.

The factory also employs an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to handle logistics and resource planning, while specialized software optimizes warehouse operations.

In a forward-thinking move, Figure plans to integrate robots into its assembly process. This will further increase automation, accelerate production, and reduce reliance on human labour for repetitive tasks. The company is transitioning from its initial Figure 02 prototype to the more cost-effective and scalable Figure 03 production model.

The new robot design focuses on simplicity, reducing the number of components and streamlining the assembly process. Instead of expensive CNC (computer numerical control) machining, Figure will employ faster, more cost-effective techniques like injection moulding, stamping, and metalworking. These methods significantly reduce component manufacturing time, from weeks to mere seconds, though they require significant investment in new equipment.

Figure has assembled specialized teams to test products for durability and quality, ensuring each robot meets high standards. To further improve production efficiency, the company has partnered with experts in automation, who have introduced new assembly technologies, including automated lubrication for motors and battery cell testing.

Additionally, Figure has developed its own artificial intelligence-based Helix software system, which controls the robots involved in every step of the assembly process. By eliminating traditional conveyor systems, Helix automates the movement of parts within the factory, enabling more assembly steps to be performed without human intervention. This approach allows parts to be produced at rapid speeds, minimizing costs and improving overall efficiency.

By Tamilla Hasanova