Agility’s new humanoid robot will stop, squat to avoid harming human coworkers

Humanoid robots can now work in closer proximity to people, opening up new applications in factories and warehouses.

Agility Robotics has introduced its Digit 5 humanoid robot, designed for safe operation alongside human coworkers without the need for cages or physical barriers. The robot can autonomously detect people and take evasive actions, such as moving aside or remaining still. If a person approaches too closely, Digit 5 can squat to a seated position. This enhanced safety system, incorporating AI and multimodal sensors, aims to remove a key obstacle to deploying humanoid robots in commercial settings like warehouses and factories. Early access to Digit 5 is expected in the first half of 2027, with general availability by year-end. The robot also features an upgraded leg design for lifting up to 50 pounds, a 90-minute battery life with a nine-minute recharge, and a swappable gripper system for various manipulation tasks. Agility is also involved in developing international safety standards for industrial mobile robots.

The Digit 5's advanced safety features, including its ability to detect and react to human presence by moving, stopping, or squatting, signify a major step toward more integrated human-robot collaboration. This development addresses a critical bottleneck in the widespread adoption of humanoid robots, which has historically been limited by safety concerns and the need for isolated work cells. By enabling robots to operate more seamlessly within human environments, Agility Robotics is paving the way for increased automation in dynamic workplaces.

The integration of Nvidia's Thor IGX hardware and Nvidia Halos for Robotics software stack in Digit 5 highlights the industry's reliance on powerful AI compute for functional safety in robots. Agility's participation in developing ISO 25785-1, an international safety standard for industrial mobile robots, suggests a concerted effort toward industry-wide safety protocols. This proactive approach to standardization, coupled with the robot's practical enhancements like improved lifting capacity and battery life, positions Digit 5 as a capable solution for real-world automation challenges.