Topic: Technology and Business, AI, Industrial Robot Applications, Robotics Competitions
In a major leap for robotic manufacturing, Brett Adcock, founder of Figure, announced the opening of BotQ, the company’s state-of-the-art high-volume manufacturing facility designed specifically for humanoid robots. With its first-generation production line capable of producing up to 12,000 humanoid robots annually, BotQ marks a significant advancement in both efficiency and scalability in the burgeoning robotics sector.
Bringing Manufacturing In-House: One of the biggest decisions Figure has made with BotQ is to bring the manufacturing of its humanoid robots in-house. This means that the company takes charge of the entire production process, ensuring that every robot meets high standards of quality and performance before making its way to consumers.
Building a Smart Software Backbone: Over the last six months, the team has been hard at work creating a comprehensive software system to support BotQ’s manufacturing efforts. This suite of programs, including Manufacturing Execution Software (MES), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), will help manage the complex tasks involved in producing large volumes of humanoid robots efficiently.
Robots Helping Robots: The approach of BotQ is the use of Figure’s own humanoid robots to assist in their assembly. This not only makes the manufacturing process more efficient but also sets the stage for greater automation in the future.
At BotQ, the focus is on maximizing production speed without sacrificing quality. To do this, the engineering team is reimagining the robot design and using advanced manufacturing techniques like injection molding and diecasting. These methods drastically cut down production times, allowing components to be made within seconds instead of days, while also simplifying the number of parts needed for assembly.
Recognizing the unique challenges that come with building humanoid robots, Figure has taken on the ambitious task of designing many of the essential components in-house, from actuators to motors and electronics. This decision stems from the industry’s lack of established supply chains and aims to create a solid framework capable of scaling quickly to meet future production goals, potentially reaching up to 3 million actuators in just four years.
To make all of this happen, Figure has carefully recruited a skilled team of industry veterans who specialize in optimizing manufacturing processes. Their expertise will be crucial in streamlining robot assembly and integrating new technologies for automated quality checks, effectively improving the overall manufacturing workflow.
At the heart of BotQ is its custom-built Manufacturing Execution Software (MES), which connects every part of the production process. This technology allows the team to monitor efficiency and maintain high-quality standards in real time. By combining this innovative software with the use of AI and robotic assistance, Figure is positioning itself at the cutting edge of robotic manufacturing.
BotQ is more than just a manufacturing facility; it stands as a significant milestone in the evolution of humanoid robot production. As Figure ramps up its production capabilities, the company is set to redefine what is possible in robotic assembly, merging advanced technology with innovative engineering. With an eye on reliability and efficiency, Brett Adcock’s vision for humanoid robotics is taking shape at BotQ. If you’re excited about being part of this transformative journey, Figure welcomes applications for a variety of roles in design, manufacturing, and production.
