Agility Robotics, the company behind the bipedal robot Digit, has announced the opening of a new manufacturing plant in Salem, Oregon. The 70,000 square foot facility, known as “RoboFab,” is expected to begin operations later this year and will have the capacity to produce over 10,000 humanoid robots annually. This expansion will create job opportunities for around 500 workers in Salem.

One unique aspect of Agility Robotics’ new factory is that it will also employ its own Digits, the iconic humanoid robots, in the manufacturing process. The Digits will play a crucial role in moving, loading, and unloading warehouse goods.

Agility Robotics aims to deliver its first Digits to customers in 2024, with wider availability in the market anticipated for 2025. The company’s co-founder and CEO, Damion Shelton, stated that the primary objective of the Digits is to address challenges prevalent in today’s workforce, such as injuries, burnout, high turnover, and labor shortages.

While other companies, such as Boston Dynamics and Tesla, have teased their own prototypes of bipedal robots like Atlas and Optimus, respectively, Agility Robotics appears to be at the forefront of mass-producing humanoid robots. However, it remains to be seen whether their warehouse robots will outperform competitors in the logistics and distribution industry.

The establishment of the RoboFab manufacturing plant signifies a significant step forward for Agility Robotics as it solidifies its position in the emerging market for humanoid robots. The company’s commitment to addressing workforce challenges and improving efficiency in industries like logistics could revolutionize the way goods are handled and transported in the future.

Sources:
– Agility Robotics expands, opening factory capable of producing thousands of its humanoid robots: [Source Name]
– Video: “Agility Robotics: Digit Robot” by [Source Name]