Agility’s Humanoid Robots have Begun Working with Spanx

A fleet of Digits, the 5-ft 9-in bipedal robots developed by Agility Robotics, is now operational in a Connecticut Spanx factory, transporting totes. This marks the first Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) deployment of humanoid robots.

Following a successful proof-of-concept pilot in 2023, Agility Robotics has signed a multi-year agreement with GXO Logistics, Inc. to utilize Digit robots in GXO’s warehouses.

Agility Robotics Sets Industry Benchmark with First Customer Deployment of Humanoid Robots

“There will be numerous firsts in the humanoid robot market in the coming years, but I’m particularly proud that Agility is the first to deploy actual humanoid robots at a customer site, generating revenue and addressing real-world business challenges,” said Peggy Johnson, CEO of Agility Robotics. “Agility has always concentrated on the key metric of delivering value to our customers by putting Digit to work. This milestone deployment sets a new standard for the entire industry.”

Digit’s Deployment and Integration with Agility Arc Under RaaS Agreement

Digit, a Mobile Manipulation Robot (MMR) with a carrying capacity of 35 lbs (15.9 kg), is best known for its distinctive “backward” legs. Under the Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) agreement, GXO will deploy fleets of Digit robots along with Agility Arc, the cloud-based automation platform that offers comprehensive robotic control and simplifies tasks such as facility mapping, workflow definition, operational management, and troubleshooting.

Digit and Agility Arc will integrate with existing automation at the Spanx factory. Building on last year’s pilot, Digit will assist with repetitive tasks like transferring totes from other robots to conveyors.

“We’re expanding on the success of last year’s groundbreaking pilot with Agility by deploying fully operational Digit humanoids into a live warehouse setting,” said Adrian Stoch, Chief Automation Officer at GXO.

“Our R&D approach involves partnering with developers worldwide to help them create and validate practical use cases that enhance our employees’ working environment while optimizing operations for our customers. Agility shares this vision, and Digit is an ideal addition to work alongside our staff in our fulfillment center. We’re excited to advance our partnership through this important milestone.”

The Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) agreement enables both companies to explore further applications for Digit and adjust the robot’s usage according to demand throughout the deployment period.

Digit already stands out as an award-winning robot, earning the title of Robot of the Year in the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards earlier in 2024.

Read the originala article on: New Atlas

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