Agility Robotics, Inc., also known as Agility, is an American robotics company that develops humanoid robots for industrial automation. Established in 2015 as a spin-off from Oregon State University's Dynamic Robotics Laboratory, the company focuses on creating bipedal machines capable of operating in human-designed environments. Its primary product, the Digit robot, has been deployed for bulk material handling and logistics applications since 2021, with partnerships extending to major corporations like Amazon and GXO Logistics.
The company's origins trace to academic research on bipedal locomotion, which it has translated into commercially available platforms. Agility Robotics has positioned itself within the broader field of humanoid robotics, competing with other firms developing general-purpose robots for warehouse and delivery tasks. In 2026, the company rebranded as Agility, reflecting its expanded focus beyond initial robotic offerings.
History
Agility Robotics was founded in 2015 by Jonathan Hurst, Damion Shelton, and Mikhail Jones as a spin-off from Oregon State University's Dynamic Robotics Laboratory. The founders built on years of research into bipedal locomotion, aiming to create robots that could navigate stairs, uneven terrain, and other obstacles common in human spaces. The company initially operated out of Oregon, leveraging university resources and talent.
In 2017, Agility introduced Cassie, a two-legged research platform designed for academic and industrial laboratories. Cassie was sold to research institutions starting that year, providing a foundation for studying dynamic walking and balance. In 2022, a Cassie variant set a Guinness World Record for the fastest 100-metre run by a bipedal robot, demonstrating the platform's capabilities.
The company released Digit in 2019, a full-size humanoid robot equipped with a torso, arms, and a sensory perception system. This marked a shift toward practical applications, with an early version sold to Ford Motor Company for exploring last-mile delivery alongside autonomous vehicles. In 2021, Agility pivoted Digit's focus to warehouse and logistics operations, emphasizing bulk material handling tasks such as moving totes and packages.
A current version of Digit debuted in 2023 at ProMat, a material handling and logistics tradeshow. Shortly after, the company announced RoboFab, its first humanoid robotics factory located in Salem, Oregon, to scale production. In late 2023, Agility partnered with Amazon to deploy Digit in fulfillment and distribution centers, followed by a similar collaboration with GXO Logistics at a Spanx facility outside Atlanta, Georgia. In 2024, Agility and GXO announced the first humanoid Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) contract, expanding Digit's role in that facility. On March 5, 2026, the company rebranded as Agility, dropping "Robotics" from its name.
Technology and Products
Agility's robots are built around principles of dynamic locomotion, allowing them to walk, balance, and recover from disturbances without extensive pre-programming. Cassie, the earlier research platform, featured a lightweight, bird-like leg design with passive dynamics that reduced energy consumption. Digit builds on this foundation, adding a humanoid upper body with arms capable of grasping and manipulating objects.
Digit's sensory system includes cameras and depth sensors for perception, enabling it to identify and handle items in dynamic environments. The robot is designed to work alongside human employees, with safety features such as padded exteriors and collision detection. Its modular design allows for customization, with interchangeable end effectors for different tasks.
The 2023 version of Digit introduced improvements in dexterity, payload capacity, and battery life, making it more suitable for continuous industrial use. Agility has emphasized software integration, providing tools for fleet management and task programming. The company's RaaS model allows clients to lease robots rather than purchase them, lowering barriers to adoption.
Applications and Partnerships
Agility's primary market is logistics and warehousing, where Digit performs repetitive tasks like picking, placing, and moving containers. The partnership with Amazon, announced in late 2023, focuses on using Digit to support distribution and fulfillment operations, potentially reducing worker strain. Similarly, the GXO collaboration at the Spanx facility involves Digit in material handling workflows, with the 2024 RaaS contract formalizing ongoing deployment.
Earlier work with Ford explored last-mile delivery, pairing Digit with autonomous vehicles to carry packages from a vehicle to a doorstep. While this application has not been commercialized, it informed the robot's design for outdoor navigation and interaction with human environments. Agility has also positioned Digit for other sectors, including manufacturing and healthcare, though these remain exploratory as of the mid-2020s.
Manufacturing and Operations
RoboFab, announced in 2023, represents Agility's effort to scale robot production. Located in Salem, Oregon, the factory is intended to produce thousands of Digit units annually, addressing demand from logistics clients. The facility integrates automated assembly lines with human oversight, reflecting the company's broader mission of human-robot collaboration.
Agility's operations remain headquartered in Oregon, with research and development tied to its academic roots. The company has grown from a small spin-off to a notable player in the Robotics industry, attracting investment and media attention. Its rebranding in 2026 signaled a maturation of its business model, moving from a niche robot maker to a broader automation provider.
Industry Context
Agility operates in a competitive landscape that includes other humanoid robot developers such as Figure AI and Sanctuary AI. These companies share a goal of creating general-purpose robots for labor-intensive industries, leveraging advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Unlike industrial arms fixed in place, humanoids offer mobility and adaptability, though they face challenges in cost, reliability, and safety.
The logistics sector has shown particular interest in humanoid robots due to labor shortages and repetitive tasks. Agility's early partnerships with Amazon and GXO have positioned it as a leader in practical deployments, with measurable outcomes in efficiency and worker satisfaction. The company's focus on RaaS contracts reflects a broader trend toward subscription-based automation services.
Research and Development
Agility's engineering team continues to refine Digit's locomotion and manipulation capabilities. Research areas include improved gait algorithms, energy efficiency, and human-robot interaction. The company collaborates with academic institutions, building on its Oregon State heritage, and contributes to public knowledge through publications and demonstrations.
Future developments may include enhanced autonomy, allowing Digit to perform tasks without human supervision. Agility has also explored integrating large language models for natural language commands, though such features are not yet standard. The company's roadmap emphasizes scalability, aiming to reduce costs and expand into new markets.
Reception and Impact
Agility has received positive attention for its technological achievements, including the Guinness World Record for Cassie's 100-metre run. Industry observers have noted the practicality of its approach, focusing on immediate logistics needs rather than speculative applications. However, concerns about job displacement and robot safety persist, prompting Agility to emphasize collaborative designs and worker training.
The company's partnerships with major firms like Amazon have validated its technology, though financial details remain private. As of 2026, Agility is considered a key player in the emerging humanoid robot market, with RoboFab poised to increase production. Its rebranding to Agility reflects an ambition to become a comprehensive automation partner, not just a robot manufacturer.