Video: Tall Humanoid Robots at Amazon Facility

Tall, proficient, and resembling insects to some extent, a fleet of Digit robots is currently navigating vacant bins within an Amazon research and development facility. This trial marks the initial phase of utilizing these robots to automate repetitive tasks in warehouses.

Agility Robotics, a technology company supported by Amazon, provided the robots for the trial program. Their main product is the humanoid Digit robot, standing at 5.7 ft (175 cm) tall. It features legs reminiscent of grasshoppers, which the company describes as “backwards legs,” enabling it to squat to retrieve items from the ground and lift them to nearly six feet high. Digit is capable of lifting packages weighing up to 35 lb (16 kg) and maneuvering in various directions, navigating stairs, uneven terrain, and even walking while crouched.

Digit’s Role in Amazon’s Workforce Evolution

Amazon, boasting a workforce of over 750,000 robots, emphasizes that Digit’s role isn’t about replacing jobs but rather, about “collaborating with employees.” The company plans for these robots to handle the repetitive task of recycling empty totes that are no longer in use.

Digit has previously ventured into the workforce, clearly not intended to replace human labor (with a hint of sarcasm). In 2019, a somewhat eerie, headless version of Digit collaborated with Ford in testing autonomous package delivery to households.

Additionally, just last year, Digit commenced its operations at a warehouse managing fulfillment for the women’s wear brand, Spanx, as depicted in the following video.

Digit isn’t the pioneer humanoid robot entering the workforce. Earlier this year, robotics company Figure announced the provision of its sleek metallic humanoid bots to BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where they will undergo training for planned deployment.

Advancements in Robotics Fine Motor Skills

Despite Digit’s remarkable capabilities in crouching, backward walking, and lifting, it still lacks refined fine motor skills. However, advancements may come sooner than expected, as demonstrated by another robot we covered last month from Sanctuary AI. Although it lacks mobility, this bot possesses exceptionally fast and dexterous hydraulically activated hands. One can envision integrating this technology with the motor skills of Digit or other bots from companies such as Boston Dynamics, which may not be too distant in the future.

Currently, Agility Robotics is quite optimistic about Digit’s potential to contribute to the workforce, evident from the establishment of a 70,000-square-foot (6,503-square-meter) facility in Salem, Oregon. Dubbed the “RoboFab” manufacturing plant, it is expected to have the capability to manufacture over 10,000 Digit robots annually.

You can observe Digit in action at Amazon’s research and development facility near Seattle, Washington, and listen to insights from Agility Robotics’ Chief Commercial Officer, Rich Bhone, in the video below.

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