Agility Robotics, the creators of the bipedal robot Digit, have announced the opening of RoboFab, the world’s first factory for humanoid robots. Located in Salem, Oregon, the 70,000-square-foot facility is set to open in late 2023. With the capacity to produce 10,000 robots a year, this marks a significant milestone in the mass production of commercial humanoid robots.
The development of the factory began last year, and it is strategically located near other industrial hubs like the Amazon Fulfillment Center. Agility Robotics was among the first recipients of Amazon’s $1 billion Industrial Innovation Fund in 2022, further solidifying their position in the robotics industry.
Damion Shelton, the co-founder and CEO of Agility Robotics, believes that the mass production of humanoid robots will address critical issues in the workforce, such as injuries, burnout, high turnover, and labor gaps. Shelton envisions a future where robots work alongside humans, complementing their abilities and improving overall productivity.
The factory aims to employ 500 human workers in Salem, who will work alongside the bipedal humanoid Digit robots. At full capacity, the factory plans to produce hundreds of Digit robots in the first year, with the capability to scale production to over 10,000 robots per year. The Digit robots are designed to perform various tasks, focusing initially on bulk material handling within warehouses and distribution centers.
Customers enrolled in Agility’s Partner Program can expect to receive the first Digit robots in 2024, while the general market availability is planned for 2025. Aindrea Campbell, COO of Agility Robotics and former senior executive at Ford and Apple, is leading the launch of the new factory. Campbell emphasizes the importance of establishing RoboFab in the United States, as it will accelerate the development, deployment, and innovation of advanced robotic systems while creating high-skilled job opportunities.
This groundbreaking development in Salem paves the way for a future where humanoid robots play a vital role in various industries, transforming the way work is done and enhancing human capabilities.
Sources:
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