Agility Robotics, the company behind the advanced bipedal robot Digit, has recently announced plans to launch its RoboFab, a factory capable of producing over 10,000 Digits per year. This development marks a significant milestone in the realm of robotics as it paves the way for the mass production of commercial humanoid robots.
The factory, located in Salem, Oregon, began initial construction last year and is expected to commence operations later in 2021. Agility Robotics’ co-founder and CEO, Damion Shelton, expressed his excitement about the factory’s opening, emphasizing its potential to address various challenges in the current workforce. Shelton highlighted problems such as injuries, burnout, high turnover, and the inability to find suitable workers as issues that humanoid robots like Digit can help mitigate.
Agility Robotics aims to build technology that enhances society and allows humans to focus on more meaningful tasks. By mass producing Digit, the company hopes to make significant strides towards achieving this vision and realizing the widespread impact of this technology.
To commemorate the announcement, Agility Robotics released a video showcasing the factory and featuring Digit in action. Interestingly, Digit will be employed in the production process, highlighting the company’s innovative approach and commitment to advancing robotics.
Melonee Wise, CTO of Agility Robotics, and Damion Shelton will also be interviewed during the TechCrunch Disrupt Hardware stage, where Digit may make an appearance, providing attendees with the opportunity to personally interact with the robot.
This development signifies a crucial step forward in the field of humanoid robotics and represents a turning point in the history of robotics as commercial humanoid robots move towards mass production.
Definitions:
– Bipedal robot: A robot designed to walk on two legs, imitating human locomotion.
– RoboFab: Agility Robotics’ factory for mass-producing humanoid robots.
– Cannibalism: In this context, the use of a robot to build more instances of the same robot.
Sources:
Agility Robotics.