Agility Robotics Marks a World-First with Commercial Deployment of Humanoid Robots

By Nicolas Sauvage, President of TDK Ventures

On June 5th, 2024, history was made as Agility Robotics achieved what no other company has done before: the first commercial deployment of a humanoid robot in a long-term contract. Their flagship robot, Digit, started work at a GXO facility near Atlanta, and this wasn't just another proof of concept—it was a significant leap forward for the entire robotics industry.

At TDK Ventures, we’ve always believed in the transformative potential of humanoid robots. We were early investors in Agility Robotics because they embodied everything we look for using our First Principles-Based Investment Thesis (FIT Method): a pioneering team, the right market timing, and a vision that aligned with ours to redefine what’s possible in industrial automation.

Redefining Robotics with a Human-Centric Approach

From day one, the team at Agility Robotics has been relentless in their mission to build robots that can operate in human environments and support humans in meaningful ways. Their approach is unique because they are not designing robots to work around us; they are creating machines that can work with us, in the spaces we’ve designed for ourselves. This human-centric design is a testament to their deep understanding of both the technology and the real-world challenges it aims to solve.

Digit’s deployment at GXO signals the beginning of an era where humanoid robots can take on roles that are labor-intensive, repetitive, or even hazardous for human workers. As Jonathan Hurst, Chief Robot Officer and Co-Founder of Agility Robotics, eloquently stated, “The only metric that matters is deploying the robot for someone who’s willing to pay for it because it’s doing useful work.” This milestone proves that robots like Digit aren’t just a futuristic idea; they’re providing real value today.

“King of the Hill” in Humanoid Robotics

At TDK Ventures, our FIT Method helps us identify and back companies that can become the "King of the Hill" in their respective markets. Agility Robotics exemplifies this with their leadership in the humanoid robotics space. They’ve demonstrated that humanoid robots are not just for structured environments but can adapt and thrive in complex human-centric settings like logistics, manufacturing, and beyond.

The commercial deployment of Digit is a proof point that humanoid robots are ready to move beyond niche applications. This world-first achievement not only validates Agility’s strategic vision but also showcases their ability to bring cutting-edge technology to life.

A Partnership for the Future of Work

Our partnership with Agility Robotics is a perfect example of how TDK Ventures leverages deep tech to create meaningful impact. Together, we’re not just exploring the potential of new technologies; we’re actively working to accelerate their adoption and scale. By providing robots that can safely navigate human environments, Agility Robotics is helping shape the future of work—one where robots enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.

As we look ahead, I’m confident that Agility’s innovative approach will continue to set new benchmarks in the robotics industry. From warehousing and logistics to healthcare and even consumer applications, humanoid robots are poised to become an integral part of our daily lives. And with Agility Robotics at the forefront, I have no doubt that they will continue to be the standard-bearer for what’s possible.

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We are incredibly proud of Agility Robotics and their team for achieving this monumental milestone. Their journey from being pioneers to becoming the first company to put humanoid robots into commercial deployment is a testament to their visionary leadership, world-class technology, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.

This is just the beginning. As we continue our collaboration, I look forward to seeing how Digit and future iterations of Agility’s robots will further transform industries and redefine what’s possible in robotics.

Congratulations to Peggy Johnson, Jonathan Hurst, Damion Shelton, and the entire Agility Robotics team on this historic achievement! We’re proud to be part of your journey and excited to see what comes next.