The Future of Humanoids in Supply Chain: A Deep Dive with Agility Robotics

In the debut episode of Beyond the Barcode, host Tony Del Cid sits down with Pete Allen, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Agility Robotics, to discuss the rise of humanoid robots in supply chain automation. Their conversation covers the practical applications of Agility’s Digit robot, the training process behind robotic learning, and the evolving safety standards that will shape the future of humanoid automation.

The Practical Applications of Humanoid Robots in Warehouses

While humanoid robots may sound futuristic, Agility Robotics has already deployed Digit in real-world warehouse operations. "Most humanoids are not doing anything in production, but Agility is leading in that effort," Pete Allen states.

Digit is specifically trained to handle bulk manipulation tasks, focusing on moving totes and boxes—representing 70-80% of warehouse activity. Current deployments, like at GXO Logistics, demonstrate Digit’s ability to induct and deduct totes from AMRs, manage put wall processes, and assist in sortation. These tasks, often repetitive and physically demanding, are typically high-turnover jobs that workers don’t want to perform. "Nobody wants to do that job," Allen explains. "Turnover is high, and Digit can step in to fill that gap."

How Digit Learns: Training a Humanoid Robot

Unlike traditional automation, training a humanoid robot is not as simple as programming a fixed task. Digit learns through a combination of teleoperation, simulation, and AI-driven perception. "We have to teach Digit how to perceive its environment, grasp objects, and optimize its workflow," Allen says.

One example of robotic learning was observed during testing at Agility’s facility. Initially, Digit would fully turn toward a conveyor to place totes, but after trial and error, it learned that maintaining a 45-degree angle increased speed and efficiency. "Over time, these small improvements can increase throughput by 10-15%," Allen explains.

Despite AI advancements, Allen makes it clear that humanoid robots are not yet capable of learning entirely on their own. "Some companies claim AI will teach robots everything, but the reality is there’s no ‘internet’ for robot training. We have to build data from real-world interactions."

Safety and the Future of Humanoid Automation

One of the biggest hurdles for humanoid robots is safety. Unlike AMRs, which have established safety standards, there are currently no formal regulations for bipedal robots. "If a humanoid loses power, it could fall, and at 150 pounds, that’s a serious concern," Allen explains. To mitigate this risk, Digit currently operates within designated safety zones. However, Agility is actively working on next-generation safety features that will allow robots to work collaboratively with human employees. "Within two years, we expect Digit to meet new safety standards and be able to operate freely in warehouse environments."

Looking ahead, Agility Robotics is committed to scaling its humanoid technology. Their new manufacturing facility, RoboFab, has the capacity to produce up to 10,000 robots per year. "The more work Digit does, the better it gets. Early adopters are already seeing the benefits and are positioned to scale as the technology evolves," Allen notes.

Key Takeaways

• Humanoid robots are already in warehouse production, performing high-turnover tasks like tote handling and sortation.
• Training a robot requires a mix of AI, simulation, and real-world data, ensuring it continuously improves efficiency.
• Safety remains a priority, with new regulations and cooperative robotics advancements expected in the next two years.
• Early adopters are gaining a competitive edge, as humanoid automation moves toward scalability and widespread implementation.

For those interested in seeing Digit in action, Agility Robotics will be showcasing its latest advancements at ProMat 2025 and other industry events. As Allen puts it, "Videos are cool, but seeing Digit in person is a whole different experience."

For companies interested in piloting Digit in their warehouse operations, Tompkins Solutions has partnered with Agility Robotics to help bring more real world scenarios to life. Learn more about how you can experience DIgit in your environment and get started!

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