Humanoid Robots Step Into Warehouse Logistics
Agility Robotics has unveiled the latest iteration of its humanoid robot, Digit, marking a significant step toward integrating human-shaped machines into warehouse operations. Scheduled for commercial delivery in 2025, Digit is engineered to work alongside human staff, performing tasks such as lifting and moving plastic bins in distribution centers. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds, the robot is fully self-charging, capable of walking to its dock, securing itself for recharging, and returning to work without human intervention.
Jonathan Hurst, Agility’s chief technology officer, emphasized the design philosophy behind Digit: “Everything we do is about building a robot that can work in human spaces and do human workflows.” This focus on human compatibility addresses the growing demand for automation solutions that can alleviate labor shortages and take on repetitive, hazardous, or monotonous tasks.
The competitive landscape for humanoid robotics is intensifying. Tesla and the startup Figure are both developing humanoid robots for logistics, while Sanctuary AI has deployed a wheeled humanoid with dexterous hands in a Canadian retail store. Agility positions itself as the frontrunner in bringing a fully functional humanoid product to market.
Digit’s operational design centers on handling warehouse totes—plastic bins stored along walls—transporting them to designated locations. Damion Shelton, Agility’s CEO, explained, “Digit will lift anything that a person would handle. Think about things that are larger than a small box, but smaller than a giant bag of dog food.” The human-like form factor allows Digit to navigate spaces and workflows built for people, a versatility that is difficult to achieve with alternative robot designs. Hurst noted, “With other form factors, it is very hard to be multipurpose.”
The founders’ journey began at Carnegie Mellon University’s graduate robotics program, where Shelton and Hurst first collaborated. Their initial product under the Agility brand was Cassie, a bipedal robot consisting primarily of robotic legs. Cassie’s development laid the groundwork for Digit’s mobility systems. The first version of Digit, introduced in 2020 in partnership with Ford Motor Co., was designed to ride in autonomous vehicles and deliver packages directly to homes. Its distinctive backward knees allowed the legs to fold under the body, enabling compact storage in a vehicle.
Shelton reflected on their long-term focus: “Our entire career has been around getting robots to move the way people and animals do.” This commitment is evident in the new Digit’s anthropomorphic enhancements, which aim to improve human-robot interaction in busy logistics environments. LED eyes signal the direction of intended movement, while expressive gestures convey operational intent. Hurst explained that the robot “can use expression and gesture in order to indicate its intent and what it’s about to do,” a feature designed to reduce confusion and improve safety in shared workspaces.
Agility’s advancements come amid broader trends in warehouse automation. Amazon has developed a range of non-humanoid robots for logistics and delivery, and has invested in Agility Robotics. Retail chains such as BJ’s are deploying AI-driven robots for inventory tracking, underscoring the rapid diversification of robotic systems in commercial operations.
Digit’s future capabilities will be shaped through Agility’s partnership program, offering select customers an “exclusive opportunity to shape the development of Digit’s skills and abilities,” according to the company’s press release. This collaborative approach is intended to align the robot’s evolution with real-world operational needs, ensuring that its design and functions remain relevant to the demands of modern logistics.
