Agility Robotics has announced a $US20 ($28) million funding round for a robot that looks like a Greek myth crossed with a cyberpunk fever dream. The robot, called Digit, is designed to work alongside meat humans in environments where people congregate but that might be difficult for robots to manage.
“Digit, Agility Robotics’ humanoid robot with both mobility and manipulation capabilities, is commercially available and has been shipping to customers since July 2020,” wrote the company in a release. DCVC and Playground Global co-led the round. Agility has raised a total of $US29 ($41) million thus far. DCVC’s Matt Ocko is also joining Agility Robotics’ board of directors.
Meet my newest colleagues, both robot and human… ;-p https://t.co/mf1jWssdgf
— Matt Ocko (@mattocko) October 16, 2020
Digit is currently shipping to customers.
“It’s never been clearer that our society’s demand for manual labour exceeds our ability to generate it safely, and it is far past time we have a solution which can work alongside humans to raise the bar on the quality of life and free up human time,” said co-founder Damion Shelton.
Digit’s legs have knees that bend backward, which allows the robot to climb stairs and curbs while carrying heavy loads in its two robotic arms. It can do things like lift boxes from the floor and carry them around an office environment, a trick that larger, wheel-based robots can’t quite manage without more space. Best of all, Digit lasts longer on a charge than similar robots, ensuring your robotic Mr. Tumnus will be able to turn the Pevensie children over to the White Witch more quickly and more often.