Robotics company Agility Robotics has garnered significant attention with its humanoid robot, Digit. The robot showcased its capabilities at ProMat 2023, effectively handling logistics tasks such as picking up totes, moving to conveyors, and unloading them. This marks a notable advancement in the deployment of humanoid robots in commercial settings, an area previously dominated by research and development applications.
Major Collaborations
Agility Robotics reported two key pilot programs during 2023 with Amazon and GXO Logistics. Amazon began testing Digit at its Seattle-based robotics research facility, focusing on tote recycling tasks. This repetitive job involves picking up and moving empty totes, a routine that Digit can automate. GXO Logistics, the world’s largest contract logistics provider, also started testing Digit in a SPANX facility in Georgia. Here, the robot moved product-filled totes from autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to conveyors, and future plans involve integrating communication between Digit and the AMR fleet manager.
Industry Perspectives
Adrian Stoch, Chief Automation Officer at GXO, highlighted Digit’s potential to streamline end-to-end product flow within warehouses. He mentioned that current robotic solutions often address discrete tasks such as goods-to-person systems, sorters, and wearable tech. Stoch emphasized the promise of humanoid robots like Digit in offering versatile solutions for varied fulfillment center operations and helping mitigate the labor shortage in logistics.
Agility Robotics’ approach with Digit represents a significant shift as humanoid robots transition from experimental lab settings to practical, real-world applications. Historically, humanoid robots have been confined to controlled environments, but 2023 has seen a notable change with companies like Amazon and GXO spearheading their commercial use. This evolution suggests a growing acceptance of humanoid robots in everyday operations, potentially paving the way for wider adoption across various industries.
Comparatively, previous robotics innovations have primarily involved stationary or task-specific robots, such as robotic arms or AMRs designed for particular processes. The introduction of humanoid robots like Digit, capable of performing diverse tasks, marks a distinct evolution in robotics technology. This paradigm shift is not only a technical achievement but also a testament to the growing trust in humanoid robots to handle complex, multifaceted tasks in dynamic environments.
Agility Robotics continues to make a mark with its Digit humanoid robot, which has now ventured into logistics with practical, commercial applications. The company’s collaboration with major industry players such as Amazon and GXO Logistics underscores the growing importance of versatile robotic solutions in addressing operational challenges. As humanoid robots increasingly demonstrate their utility beyond labs, they are poised to become integral components in various sectors, particularly in logistics and fulfillment.
