Agility Robotics has unveiled Digit 5, a new version of its humanoid robot designed to operate alongside people in warehouses and factories without being separated behind traditional safety fencing.
The company says Digit 5 combines AI, multiple sensors and an independent safety controller to detect people entering its working area and respond appropriately.
Depending on the situation, the robot can avoid the person, stop moving or lower itself into a seated position.
Agility demonstrated the behaviour as part of the robot’s launch on September 15.
Built for warehouse and factory work
Digit 5 is designed primarily for manufacturing and logistics operations.
Agility says the humanoid can repeatedly lift loads weighing up to 50lb, or 22.7kg, and has a claimed battery life of around 90 minutes.
The company also claims the battery can be recharged in approximately nine minutes, allowing robots to return to work after relatively short charging periods.
Removing the need for permanent safety cages could allow humanoid robots to move between different tasks and parts of a facility while employees continue working nearby.
Industrial robots have traditionally often been physically separated from workers because of the risk created by fast-moving machinery.
Digit 5 is intended to detect people and alter its behaviour before potentially dangerous interaction occurs.
Commercial launch planned for 2027
Digit 5 is not yet in general commercial operation.
Agility expects early access to begin during the first half of 2027, followed by broader availability later that year.
The company says some features remain under development.
Its previous Digit 4 robot already has commercial operating experience, but that should not be confused with deployment of the newly announced model.
Agility’s launch footage is therefore a product demonstration rather than evidence of Digit 5 already operating routinely alongside workers in commercial facilities.
But it demonstrates one of the practical problems humanoid manufacturers are now trying to solve.
Building a robot capable of lifting and moving objects is one challenge.
Making it safe enough to do that while people are standing beside it is another.
Sources
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