Agility Robotics launches first humanoid robot number 5designed to work safely around humans. This opens up a wide range of possibilities for its use in warehouses and automotive factories without the need to create isolated work areas and install physical barriers.
Image source: Agile Robotics
Upon detecting a person at a distance, Agility Digit 5 independently takes preventive measures: moving sideways to avoid a collision; freezing in place to allow the person to pass; and even crouching down if the person is very close. The first customers will receive Digit 5 in the first half of 2027, and the robot will go on general sale by the end of the same year. Agility is currently retooling its factory in Salem, Oregon, to begin production of new humanoid robots.
The company believes that safety remains a key factor limiting the industrial application of humanoid robots; at the same time, Agility robots became the first robots to enter permanent commercial operations: in 2024, they began working at the GXO warehouse in Atlanta. To date, they have logged more than 65,000 hours working in warehouses and factories across North America. Companies such as GXO, Schaeffler, Amazon and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada have already tested or implemented digital robots.
Now U.S. and Chinese companies are racing to increase production and introduce robots into the workplace, but safety concerns remain “Everyone’s stumbling block”. Agility Digit 5 promises more “detailed” Ways to fix this problem when interacting with humans and robots – simply turning it off and on again doesn’t solve the problem. The Agility robotic fleet management system can interface with external security systems at customer sites. To detect nearby people, Digit 5 uses a series of onboard sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms.
The hardware platform is Nvidia Thor IGX, and the security functions are implemented based on the Nvidia Halos for Robotics software stack. In terms of developing safety features, Agility participated in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) working group that developed the international safety standard ISO 25785-1 for industrial mobile robots. It is currently being reviewed by the committee and will be voted on later.
As well as being able to work safely next to people, Digit 5 also has an advanced leg design that enables the robot to perform all heavy lifting tasks – with payloads up to 22.7kg. The height of the robot is 180.3 cm and it can reach objects at a height of 219.5 cm. Battery life is enough to run for 90 minutes, and a full charge takes only 9 minutes – the Digit 5 can work for more than 20 hours a day.
The robot is designed to quickly change hands to perform a variety of object manipulation tasks—it’s no longer limited to simply moving cargo containers. Digit 5 can palletize goods and pause work while employees change goods, as well as safely navigate aisles where people may be present.
If you find an error, select it with your mouse and press CTRL+ENTER.
