Agility-robotics

Executives from Agility Robotics and Apptronik discuss the drivers, challenges, and future outlook for humanoid robots. Key topics include labor shortages, AI integration, safety standards, deployment hurdles in workplaces vs. homes, and the path toward commercialization in logistics, manufacturing, and potentially eldercare.

Agility Robotics, maker of the Digit humanoid robot, is reportedly closing a $400 million funding round led by WP Global. The investment aims to help the company scale production at its Oregon facility, targeting the logistics and warehouse market amidst growing competition in the humanoid robotics space.

Schaeffler partners with Accenture, NVIDIA, and Microsoft to optimize future factory operations using digital twins on NVIDIA Omniverse. The collaboration involves simulating various automation scenarios, including the use of humanoid robots like Agility's Digit and Sanctuary AI's Phoenix, and leveraging Microsoft Fabric for data analysis to bridge virtual testing with real-world performance.

Agility Robotics announced upgrades for its Digit humanoid robot, focusing on enhanced industrial safety features (CAT1 stop, FSoE), improved battery life (up to 4 hours) with autonomous charging, redesigned limbs/grippers, and integration with Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). The updates aim to accelerate commercial deployment in warehouses.

Tesla showcased its Optimus humanoid robot on Capitol Hill this week as part of an event where U.S. robotics companies urged lawmakers to establish a national strategy to compete with global rivals, particularly China. Tesla representatives highlighted the need for manufacturing scale alongside innovation.