Advances in AI: Enhancements to Agility's Digit
Agility Robotics has introduced significant advancements to its AI-powered humanoid robot, Digit, which is actively utilized in commercial warehouse operations. The enhancements focus on improving AI capabilities for operational efficiency, safety compliance, and seamless integration with existing automation systems. This development was announced at the ProMat supply chain event.
The technical improvements to Digit include an extended AI-managed battery life of up to four hours and autonomous docking capabilities designed to enhance uninterrupted operations. Improvements are being made to the robot’s ability to integrate into fleet deployments through refined manufacturing processes. Safety features are also aligned with AI standards, incorporating Category 1 stop functionality, Safety PLC, and emergency stop controls, complemented by wireless teach pendant and new Functional Safety protocols over EtherCAT.
Melonee Wise, Chief Product Officer at Agility Robotics, said, “These upgrades allow Agility to expand Digit's capabilities to meet our expanding commercial and customer needs. Together, they reinforce our commitment to cooperative safety, and demonstrate a path for Digit and human colleagues to one day work side by side.”
Agility Robotics asserts that its pioneering role in the deployment of humanoid robots in warehouse settings affords them unique insights from real-world operational testing.
Agility Robotics: AI Innovations with Digit
Founded in 2015, Agility Robotics has positioned itself as a leader in AI-enhanced commercial humanoid robotics, with Digit being the flagship product. The robot is designed specifically for flexibility in logistics and warehouse operations, demonstrating mobility essential for functioning within human-centric environments.
Digit is equipped with arms featuring AI-driven grasping capabilities, a sensor suite for AI-guided navigation and object recognition, and a balanced bipedal locomotion system. These features allow it to navigate uneven terrains and tight spaces. The progression from initial research platforms to this commercially viable robot highlights its adaptive AI enhancements.
In 2022, the company propelled its capabilities forward with $150 million in Series B funding led by DCVC and Playground Global, enhancing its manufacturing and commercial deployment strategies. U.S.-based production facilities now facilitate the assembly, testing, and refinement of Digit, utilizing feedback obtained from its practical AI operations.
Currently, Digit has evolved from controlled demonstrations to active warehouse deployments, such as those by logistics provider GXO. Here, the AI-powered robots conduct repetitive material handling tasks traditionally performed by human workers, showcasing the integration of AI technologies from research labs into functional industrial applications.
Integrating AI with Autonomous Mobile Robots
Agility promotes the synergistic integration of humanoid robots and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) using AI rather than viewing them as competing technologies. Digit now leverages AI to autonomously dispatch AMRs for item transportation within facilities, facilitating operations like movement to packout stations and addressing automation gaps in evolving warehouse technology.
The Agility-developed Arc cloud platform utilises AI to coordinate task allocation with AMR systems, as demonstrated in Digit's operations for GXO near Atlanta, Georgia. Compatibility with AMRs from MiR and Zebra Technologies was showcased, underlining AI's role in enhancing automation convergence at the ProMat event in Chicago.
Though safety standards for Dynamically Stable Industrial Mobile Robots are evolving, Agility aligns its development efforts with OSHA compliance to ensure safe, AI-enhanced environments. They have enhanced Digit’s AI interface with displays monitoring Wi-Fi, connectivity, and maintenance.
AI-incorporated safety measures include a Category 1 stop that maintains power to actuators during deceleration, along with Safety PLC systems compliant with performance level d requirements and emergency stop apparatus. Additionally, the FailSafe over EtherCAT protocol ensures secure AI communication across networks.
The Arc platform boasts fleet management functionality for AI-equipped humanoid robots, enhancing Digit's operation, charger management, and workcell functionality. It supports integration with enterprise systems and offers remote monitoring capabilities.
Showcase applications at ProMat included AI-managed tote stacking and sorting, AMR loading, palletizing, cart handling, and automated operations, highlighting AI's adaptability and versatility.
“Humanoids and AMRs have complementary strengths. Humanoids excel at complex manipulation, grasping, and navigating human-centric spaces, while AMRs are masters of efficient transportation over longer distances,” shared Melonee Wise.
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