CEO of Figure AI may be exaggerating partnership with BMW, despite significant investments.

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-04-06 14:56:00

Figure AI’s partnership with BMW raised eyebrows in the robotics industry last year, but recent details suggest a more modest reality. Only one Figure robot is currently in live production hours at BMW’s South Carolina factory, despite earlier claims of a full fleet. Questions remain about the accuracy of Figure’s CEO’s statements.

Figure AI, backed by major investors like Microsoft and Jeff Bezos, has raised over $700 million and is seeking an additional $1.5 billion in funding. The robotics industry is booming, with companies like Agility Robotics and Apptronik also securing significant investments for their humanoid projects. Expectations for the market are high, with trillions of dollars in potential opportunities projected.

Figure’s humanoid robots, like the sleek Figure 02 model, have caught attention for their advanced capabilities. The company’s agreement with BMW was described as “milestone-based,” but financial terms remain undisclosed. BMW plans to reveal more details about their partnership with Figure at an upcoming press event in May.

Despite discrepancies in Figure’s claims, BMW confirms the partnership is real and ongoing. The BMW spokesperson mentioned that more information will be shared in the future. The robotics industry faces challenges in proving its capabilities beyond hype and glossy demos. Trust is crucial in the development of humanoid technologies.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: Is the CEO of the heavily funded humanoid robot startup Figure AI exaggerating his startup’s work with BMW?