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Agility Robotics has been working since it spun out of Oregon State University in 2015 to bring humanoid robots out of the lab and into the real world. The company has made great strides in making its robots fit for bulk material handling tasks like tote movement. 

Earlier this year, the company unveiled the latest generation of its Digit robot, built specifically to carry out tasks in warehouses and distribution centers. Updates in the next generation include newly designed end effectors optimized for reaching high/low, pulling, picking up, and placing objects commonly found in e-commerce and shipping warehouses, like plastic totes. Digit also has a new head with LED animated eyes, which allow for improved human-robot interaction such as using simple expressions to convey information and intent.

In his keynote talk at the Robotics Summit & Expo titled “Developing Human-Centric Bipedal Robots,” Agility co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Jonathan W. Hurst will give an inside look at the process of developing bipedal robots that are useful in the workplace. The Robotics Summit will take place at the Boston Convention Center on May 10-11, 2023, and Hurst will give his talk at 10:45 AM on the show’s second day. 

Hurst is also a Professor and co-founder of the Oregon State University Robotics Institute. He holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering and an M.S. and Ph.D. in robotics, all from Carnegie Mellon University. His university research focuses on understanding the fundamental science and engineering best practices for robotic-legged locomotion and physical interaction. Agility Robotics is bringing this new robotic mobility to market, solving customer problems, working towards a day when robots can go where people go, generate greater productivity across the economy, and improve the quality of life for all.