Digit: Humanoid robot employed to move underwear boxes at Spanx warehouse

Humanoid robots will now actively collaborate with other cobots at a Spanx warehouse facility in the US.

To that extent, pure-play contract logistics provider GXO Logistics has signed an agreement with Agility Robotics to deploy its Digit bipedal robot at its warehouse.

The move comes after the companies trialed Digit as a proof-of-concept pilot in late 2023 at the Spanx facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia.

According to Agility Robotics, the agreement is the industry’s first formal commercial deployment of humanoid robots and the first Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) deployment of humanoid robots.

“We’re building on the success of last year’s groundbreaking pilot with Agility by deploying fully operational Digit humanoids into a live warehouse environment,” said Adrian Stoch, Chief Automation Officer, GXO, in a statement .

Human-centric robotics integration

GXO is installing Digit robots and Agility Arc, Agility’s cloud automation platform, for the purpose of deploying and controlling Digit fleets as part of the RaaS deal.

Digit is a multifunctional, human-centered robot intended for use in logistics that can assist with numerous repetitive jobs and operate securely in human areas.

Digit, designed for operation in human spaces, stands 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and weighs 140 pounds (63.5 kg). It can lift up to 35 pounds (15.9 kg). Software updates enhance Digit’s adaptability to various warehouse tasks.

As a versatile robot, Digit can perform a diverse range of tasks and adjust to various workflows. A fleet of Digits possesses the capability to seamlessly transition between applications, catering to current warehouse requirements and adapting to seasonal shifts.

According to Agility Robotics, Digit can be effortlessly integrated into existing warehouse operations and infrastructure without the need for expensive retrofitting thanks to its human-centric design, characterized by a size and shape resembling a human.

On the other side, Agility Arc simplifies the deployment lifecycle—from facility mapping and workflow definition to operational management and troubleshooting.

“Our R&D approach is to partner with developers all over the world to help them build and validate practical use cases that improve the working environment for our employees while optimizing operations for our customers,” said Adrian Stoch, Chief Automation Officer, GXO.

Robots enhance warehousing

Versatile robots capable of functioning in human environments are poised to become a crucial component of our future.

Agility Robotics believes that partnerships like these are essential for developing technology applicable to the supply chain industry. Crucially, there is no need to redesign the warehouse or install additional infrastructure beyond what is already designed for human use.

Digit is being instructed by Agility Robotics and GXO to carry out monotonous activities, such as moving totes from autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to conveyors. This plan seeks to reduce stress, improve team member safety, and free them up to concentrate on more valuable activities in the warehouse.

According to a recent GXO poll, team members who use technology in their work report better engagement and higher job satisfaction. If this first round of development goes well, it will pave the way for Digit to expand into more positions in 2024.

Last year, Amazon also initiated testing of Digit at its facilities, accelerating warehouse automation amid concerns that such advancements could potentially eliminate 73 million jobs in the United States by 2030, according to research.