Agility’s humanoid robots are set to manage the production of your Spanx

Agility’s announcement with GXO marks a significant step forward for the humanoid robotics industry, moving beyond mere pilot programs into formal deployment. The deal involves Agility’s Digit robots, which will now be tasked with moving plastic totes at a Spanx factory in Georgia. This move underscores a shift towards practical applications in logistics, rather than staying confined to experimental stages.

Unlike traditional purchases, GXO will lease these robots under a robots-as-a-service (RaaS) model. This approach allows companies to avoid substantial upfront costs associated with acquiring sophisticated robotic systems while still benefiting from ongoing support and software updates.

GXO’s initial pilot with Digit robots began last year, highlighting a gradual integration of robotic solutions into their operations. Notably, GXO has also initiated pilot programs with Agility’s competitor, Apptronik, although the exact implications of these parallel efforts remain unclear.

Under Peggy Johnson’s leadership as Agility’s CEO, there’s a clear emphasis on achieving measurable return on investment (ROI), contrasting with the predominantly theoretical outcomes often associated with robotics initiatives in this sector. This shift towards practical deployment and tangible results marks a significant development in the commercial adoption of humanoid robotics within industrial settings.