Agility’s innovative approach recently received another major boost with a joint announcement with Amazon, this time with the news that the human-centric Digit robot has been selected by GXO Logistics Inc., the world’s largest provider of pure-play contract logistics. This is a groundbreaking pilot program in a live warehouse environment. Amazon is already testing Digit in its warehouses. Agility has opened its first humanoid robot factory. Agility has distinguished itself as the world’s only manufacturer of humanoid robots that can actually do work, instantly, safely, cost-effectively, and in a way that respects and collaborates with human workers.
Pilot Project
As part of the GXO/SPANX pilot project, Digit is being tested on logistics tasks, where GXO manages warehouse operations for SPANX, a global women’s apparel brand. Digit’s primary role involves handling repetitive tasks, specifically transferring items from autonomous mobile robots to conveyors. This work, while simple for a robot, is crucial in reducing the physical demands on human workers and increasing overall workplace safety.
Digit is uniquely designed to work in harmony with humans in the same space. With a payload capacity of almost 16 kg, the robot demonstrates practical applications in solving logistical challenges. But Digit is about more than just increasing operational efficiency: its deployment highlights a shift in workplace dynamics. Robots like Digit are changing their roles and allowing human workers to focus on more strategic and engaging tasks. This development does more than just increase productivity; it cultivates a more satisfying and dynamic work environment for people, while also assigning repetitive and stressful jobs that people don’t want to do to safe and efficient robots.
Taking on Unwanted Work
The introduction of Agility technology at the GXO warehouse is proof that the logistics and supply chain industry has quickly embraced innovative solutions for jobs that people don’t want but need to fill. The new trend signals the enormous potential of robotics to revolutionize industry standards, moving the sector toward safer, more efficient, and more responsive operations. This shift is enabling logistics organizations to fill more than 1 million unfilled jobs in the U.S. alone, while providing better wages and more meaningful work for human workers.
Agility Robotics’ leadership makes it a cornerstone in what amounts to an industrial transformation. Agility’s advancements go beyond technical achievements; they actively redefine the synergy between humans and robots in professional settings. They herald a future where human-robot collaboration will lead to increased efficiency, safety, and satisfaction in the workplace.
New Collaboration
GXO Logistics has announced a new collaboration with Reflex Robotics, an innovative startup specializing in universal humanoid robots. This agreement marks GXO’s second initiative under the robots-as-a-service (RaaS) concept, aimed at piloting the deployment of Reflex robots in real-world operations.
Developed by Reflex Robotics, the Reflex robot is designed as an out-of-the-box system that becomes operational within 60 minutes of deployment. Over time, the robot improves by learning from human instructions and becomes fully autonomous. This multi-purpose humanoid can efficiently switch between various routine tasks, such as carrying crates or picking products.
“We are pleased to be working with Reflex to develop applications for their Reflex robot for various tasks in our warehouses,” said Adrian Stoch, GXO’s Director of Automation. “Through our Operations Incubator program, we deploy cutting-edge technology solutions that create new value for our customers, GXO, and our employees,” he added.
Humanoid in the Warehouse
GXO uses its “Operations Incubator” to work closely with leading developers to test practical applications in a real warehouse environment. Together with Reflex Robotics, they are working on a pilot project in an omnichannel operation for a major retailer. The goal is to deploy Reflex robots on a large scale, which will help alleviate capacity constraints and allow GXO employees to focus on more complex tasks.
Ritesh Ragavender, CEO of Reflex Robotics, expressed his enthusiasm: “Working with GXO, a leader in automated logistics solutions, has brought us many new insights. We are accelerating the production of our robots to support various processes such as rack picking, order replenishment, and quality assurance.”
