Agility Robotics, an Oregon-based robotics company renowned for its humanoid robot Digit, is reportedly securing a $400 million funding round. This investment aims to accelerate the mass production of Digit, a bipedal robot designed to perform tasks traditionally handled by humans in warehouse environments.
According to reports, the funding round is led by WP Global Partners, with participation from SoftBank Group Corp. This infusion of capital would elevate Agility Robotics’ pre-investment valuation to $1.75 billion. The company has previously attracted investments from notable entities, including Amazon’s Industrial Innovation Fund, contributing to a $150 million round in 2022.
Besides this, Agility Robotics announced significant enhancements to Digit’s capabilities. These improvements encompass expanded battery life, autonomous docking to charging stations, additional safety features, and redesigned limbs and end effectors, broadening its range of grasping angles. These advancements are poised to bolster Digit’s functionality and safety in collaborative human-robot workspaces.
Agility Robotics has deployed nearly 100 Digit units across various clients, including industry giants like Amazon and Spanx. For instance, GXO Logistics has integrated Digit into its operations, utilising the robot for tasks such as tote consolidation, which involves organising and repositioning storage containers. This deployment underscores Digit’s practical application in real-world warehouse settings.
Digit: The humanoid warehouse robot
Agility Robotics was founded in 2015 by Jonathan Hurst, Damon Ashcraft, and Marion Hodgins. The company spun out of Oregon State University and has focused on developing bipedal robots like Cassie and Digit for logistics and warehouse automation.
Digit stands at 5 feet 9 inches and is engineered to navigate human-centric environments, performing tasks such as carrying boxes and crates autonomously. Equipped with advanced sensors, including cameras and LiDAR, Digit can autonomously sense, grasp, and move objects weighing up to 35 pounds. Its design facilitates seamless integration into existing warehouse workflows, addressing labor shortages and enhancing operational efficiency.
The investment in Agility Robotics reflects a broader trend of increasing interest and confidence in humanoid robotics. Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning have propelled the capabilities of these robots, enabling them to perform complex tasks and interact more naturally with human counterparts. Companies across the globe are recognising the potential of humanoid robots to address labor shortages, enhance productivity, and revolutionise industries ranging from logistics to manufacturing.
Competitive landscape
The humanoid robotics sector is witnessing intensified competition, with several companies striving to make significant strides.
Tesla’s Optimus robot, first unveiled in 2021, is a direct competitor to Figure AI. Elon Musk envisions Optimus as an affordable, general-purpose robot that could eventually cost less than a car. Tesla has a unique advantage with its vast experience in AI, manufacturing, and supply chain management. The company aims to deploy Optimus in its own factories before bringing it to market, allowing it to fine-tune the robot’s capabilities in real-world conditions..
At the same time, Figure AI is developing Figure 01, a humanoid robot aimed at general labor tasks across multiple industries. The startup has raised significant funding (and partnered with OpenAI and Microsoft to integrate large language models for better decision-making. Figure AI is targeting broader industrial use, but it has not been commercially deployed, making it more of a future bet.
Pkus, an Austin-based robotics startup, is a key competitor in the humanoid robotics space. Its flagship humanoid, Apollo, is designed to work in logistics, manufacturing, and retail environments, focusing on repetitive tasks such as material handling and warehouse operations. Apptronik is targeting immediate commercial applications with scalable, modular designs.
Future outlook
The humanoid robotics industry is poised for major growth, driven by technological advancements and increasing market demand. Agility Robotics’ funding will position the company to scale production and enhance Digit’s capabilities further. As competition intensifies, companies will need to focus on innovation, safety, and cost-effectiveness to establish a strong foothold in this evolving market.
In conclusion, Agility Robotics’ forthcoming $400 million funding round marks a notable moment in the humanoid robotics sector. With substantial investments and technological advancements, the integration of humanoid robots into various industries is becoming an increasingly tangible reality, promising to reshape the future of work and automation.
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