Agility’s new humanoid robot will stop, squat to avoid harming human coworkers

Agility Robotics has unveiled the Digit 5, its first humanoid robot designed to work alongside people without compromising their safety. The device incorporates a safe‑motion system that lets it detect a worker’s presence and respond autonomously. When someone is detected at a certain distance, the robot can veer away or stop so the person can pass without approaching. In extreme proximity, the Digit 5 can lower itself into a seated posture, further reducing collision risk. According to Pras Velagapudi, the company’s chief technology officer, the detection algorithm evaluates various types of human presence and selects the most appropriate mitigation measure. These capabilities could broaden the use of robots in settings such as warehouses and automotive factories, eliminating the need for isolated zones or physical barriers between machines and employees. Introducing safer robots opens the door to greater human‑machine collaboration, potentially leading to more efficient and flexible processes. By reducing accident risks, automation becomes more viable in sectors that previously relied exclusively on human labor.

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