Amazon is introducing Agility Robotics’ Digit into its US warehouses, prompting its human workforce to interact with robotic co-workers. Digit, a bipedal robot designed for walking and lifting boxes, offers cost advantages at $10 to $12 per hour of operation, as highlighted by Agility Robotics CEO Damion Shelton. However, Boston Dynamics CTO Aaron Saunders cautioned against the assumption that humanoid robots are the optimal solution for all tasks, including box-moving, emphasizing that their form factor may not be the most efficient.
“Humanoids aren’t necessarily the best form factor for all tasks … Just because humans can move boxes doesn’t mean we’re the best form factor to complete that task,” remarked Saunders, showcasing Boston Dynamics’ alternative, Stretch, as a non-humanoid mobile robot with a crane-like arm and wheel-based mobility, claiming superior efficiency in box handling compared to humans.
Agility Robotics promotes Digit’s adaptability to existing warehouse infrastructure, with the ability to lift objects of varying sizes and weights, envisioning a scenario where robots seamlessly work alongside humans in spaces initially designed for people.
“Imagine robots working in spaces built for people alongside people,” suggests a Digit ad, portraying the 5-foot, 9-inch robot as “approachable” and emphasizing its upright bipedal design’s integration into existing infrastructure without the need for building modifications.
Boston Dynamics, with its robot Stretch, also asserts similar adaptability, emphasizing its mobility and flexibility. Mike Fair, Boston Dynamics’ lead product manager of warehouse robotics, highlights Stretch as a mobile and flexible robot capable of swiftly integrating into diverse facilities and performing tasks within days.
While Agility Robotics sees Digit’s future applications expanding beyond package movement to unloading trailers and last-mile delivery to homes, Stretch’s applications seem presently limited to warehouse spaces. Ford became an early adopter of Digit in 2020, planning to utilize the bipedal robot for last-mile package deliveries in anticipation of a future where self-driving cars contribute to home deliveries.
Despite these developments, representatives from Amazon, Agility Robotics, and Boston Dynamics remained unresponsive to requests for comments over the weekend.
