Agility Robotics has unveiled its first humanoid robot, Digit 5, designed to safely work alongside humans. This innovation opens up broad possibilities for applications in warehouses and car factories, eliminating the need for isolated work zones and physical barriers. The source of the images is Agility Robotics.
Digit 5 from Agility Robotics autonomously takes precautionary measures upon detecting a human nearby: it shifts to the side to avoid collisions, freezes in place to let the person pass, or even crouches down if the individual is in immediate proximity. The first customers are set to receive Digit 5 in the first half of 2027, with the robot becoming widely available by the end of the same year. Agility is currently reconfiguring its plant in Salem, Oregon, to commence the production of the new humanoid robot model.
Safety remains a key factor inhibiting the industrial use of humanoid robots, as acknowledged by the company. Nevertheless, Agility’s robots became the first to enter continuous commercial operation, starting at GXO warehouse in Atlanta in 2024. By now, they have accumulated over 65,000 working hours in warehouses and factories across North America. Companies such as GXO, Schaeffler, Amazon, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada have conducted trials or implemented Digit robots.
American and Chinese companies are currently competing to scale up production volumes and introduce robots to workplaces. However, safety remains a stumbling block for all. The Agility Digit 5 model promises a more detailed approach to addressing this issue when humans interact with robots, recognizing that simple disablement and re-enablement will not resolve the problem. Agility’s robot fleet management system can interact with the clients’ external security systems.
To detect people nearby, Digit 5 utilizes a complex array of onboard sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms. It is powered by the Nvidia Thor IGX hardware platform, with safety functions based on the Nvidia Halos for Robotics software stack. Agility participated in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) working group to create the international safety standard ISO 25785-1 for industrial mobile robots. The standard is currently under committee review before proceeding to a vote.
In addition to its ability to work safely alongside humans, Digit 5 boasts enhanced leg design enabling it to handle all lifting tasks, with payloads of up to 22.7 kg. Standing at 180.3 cm tall, the robot can reach objects at heights up to 219.5 cm. The battery can last for 90 minutes of operation, with a full recharge taking just 9 minutes. Digit 5 can work for over 20 hours a day. The robot’s design allows for quick hand brush replacements for different object manipulation tasks, expanding its capabilities beyond simple cargo transport.
Digit 5 can stack goods on pallets, pause operations during human interventions, and safely navigate passages where people might be present. Source: © 1997—2026 3DNews. When citing this document, referencing the website with the author’s name is mandatory. Complete reproduction without consent from the 3DNews editorial office violates Russian and international legislation. The 3DNews website employs cookies and analytic services to enhance content and site functionality. By visiting the site, you agree to the User Agreement, consenting to the processing and transfer (including cross-border) of personal data, the use of cookies, and metric programs by the website.
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