Agility Robotics is a U.S.-based technology company that develops humanoid robotic technologies, offering solutions primarily for the logistics and manufacturing sectors. Founded in Salem, Oregon, the company specializes in bipedal Mobile Manipulation Robots (MMRs). Its best-known product, Digit, is considered one of the first humanoid robots in commercial deployment. Agility Robotics aims to integrate hardware, software, and services to enable humanoid robots to operate safely and effectively in human-centric environments.
Foundation and Development
Agility Robotics was established in 2015 as a spin-off from Oregon State University. Starting with its first product, Cassie, the company has made significant progress in humanoid mobility and manipulation through various iterations of the Digit robot. Its manufacturing facility, named RoboFab, is located in Salem, Oregon.
Robot Models
Cassie (2016)
Cassie was the first bipedal robotic platform developed by Agility Robotics. Its main purpose was to test dynamic walking and balance mechanisms. Its two-legged structure enabled it to simulate walking across various surface types, and it was primarily used in research and development projects.
Digit v1 (2017)
This version extended the capabilities of Cassie by incorporating an upper body and arms. Digit v1 could walk and perform simple transportation tasks such as carrying boxes and overcoming obstacles while maintaining structural balance.
Digit v2 (2019)
Digit v2 featured improved sensing systems and control mechanisms. It integrated LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology and offered enhanced load-bearing capacity and mobility, targeting human-centric logistics applications.
Digit v3 (2021)
This model was designed with industrial environments in mind. It featured autonomous docking and charging capabilities and could operate for up to four hours. Enhanced end effectors enabled precise grasping and handling tasks. Safety features such as Emergency Stop (E-Stop) systems and Safety Programmable Logic Controllers (Safety PLCs) were also integrated.
Digit v4 (2023)
Digit v4 was developed to enhance human-robot collaboration. It introduced real-time user interface elements showing Wi-Fi status, battery levels, and maintenance needs. It also supported FailSafe over EtherCAT (FSoE), ensuring secure data communication. Digit v4 became the first humanoid robot widely deployed for commercial use under Agility Robotics’ Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) model.
Digit (Agility Robotics)
Agility Arc Platform
The Agility Arc is a cloud-based automation management platform developed by Agility Robotics. It integrates with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Warehouse Execution Systems (WES). Agility Arc enables rapid deployment, remote monitoring, and dynamic workflow adaptation of robot fleets.
Use Cases
Digit robots are employed in a range of industrial applications, including:
- Tote loading and unloading
- Tote stacking and destacking
- Palletizing and depalletizing
- Conveyor loading and unloading
- Integrated transport with Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
In these tasks, Digit stands out for its maneuverability in confined spaces and its ability to operate safely around humans.
Strategic Partnerships
Agility Robotics has formed strategic partnerships with Amazon, Tompkins Solutions, Schaeffler Group, and NVIDIA. Investments from Amazon’s Industrial Innovation Fund have supported commercial-scale robot production. In collaboration with NVIDIA, Digit is simulated on the Omniverse platform to contribute to the development of Physical Artificial Intelligence (Physical AI) systems.
Leadership Team
- Peggy Johnson – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Melonee Wise – Chief Product Officer (CPO)
- Pras Velagapudi – Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Daniel Diez – Chief Business Officer (CBO)
- Jonathan Hurst – Co-Founder & Chief Robot Officer (CRO)
- Damion Shelton – Co-Founder & Chairman of the Board
- Jennifer Hunter – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Ana Lang – General Counsel
Manufacturing and Distribution
The company’s manufacturing facility RoboFab is located in Salem, Oregon, with all production carried out in the United States. This domestic manufacturing model allows clients to receive services without being affected by international logistics challenges.
Future Vision
Agility Robotics aims to make humanoid robots safe, flexible, and efficient partners for human workers. The company continues to develop Physical AI solutions and plans to expand access to its humanoid robots through its Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) model.
