Agility Robotics' Digit robot demonstrates potential for line-side production tasks, as a new ISO safety standard is forthcoming.
In the world of manufacturing, efficiency and precision are key. That's where the Digit robot, developed by Agility Robotics, comes into play. This advanced robot is making waves in line-side loading and unloading operations by working seamlessly with Zebra Technologies' autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).
Digit, a mobile manipulator, takes care of the physical transfer of parts between flow racks or work cells and Zebra's AMRs. This coordinated workflow allows for a smooth collaboration between the two types of robots, enhancing human-robot collaboration in manufacturing.
The integration between Digit and Zebra's AMR system is impressive, featuring cloud-to-cloud communications for efficient operational coordination. Completion signals from Digit's cloud platform trigger subsequent actions from Zebra's AMRs, creating a tight operational loop.
Digit's QR code scanning system is integral to its positioning and navigation within work cells. The QR codes used by Digit serve a dual purpose: to identify parts and help Digit localize its position relative to equipment, such as flow racks. This precise positioning and workflow management enable Digit to move parts at a rate of around 66 totes per hour with a cycle success rate between 98% and 100% availability.
Agility Robotics is also involved in the development of ISO 25875, a new safety standard for "dynamically stable industrial mobile manipulators". This standard aims to provide clearer regulatory guidance for this emerging robot category, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
A demonstration of Digit's capabilities was showcased at Automate 2025, where Melonee Wise, chief product officer at Agility Robotics, highlighted Digit's application in line-side loading and unloading operations. The demo involved Digit working with Zebra Technologies' autonomous mobile robots in a coordinated workflow, with Digit capable of unloading parts and reloading the AMR in the demonstrated workflow.
In practical applications, deployments at GXO and Schaeffler demonstrate the real-world effectiveness of Digit robots. By automating repetitive material handling tasks at line-side, Digit and Zebra's AMRs create a synchronized, efficient human-robot collaborative system in manufacturing environments. This system increases manufacturing efficiency, ensuring a smooth supply of components without disrupting human operators.
In conclusion, Digit acts as the physical manipulator handling parts at line-side stations and integrates via cloud-based signaling and QR navigation with Zebra AMRs, which provide mobile transport. This human-robot collaborative workflow is a promising advancement in flexible automation with safety and precision, supported by upcoming ISO standards specifically designed for mobile manipulators like Digit.
- The integration of Digit's artificial-intelligence systems with cloud-to-cloud communications, as seen in its collaboration with Zebra Technologies' autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry, especially in line-side loading and unloading operations.
- The development of Digit by Agility Robotics, a mobile manipulator, along with the involvement in ISO 25875 - a new safety standard for dynamic industrial mobile manipulators - demonstrates the company's commitment to advancing robotics and making it safe and efficient for the manufacturing and finance industries.
- With the help of technology like Digit, the industry can adopt artificial-intelligence-powered robotic systems for manufacturing, increasing operational efficiency, ensuring a smooth supply of components, and promoting human-robot collaboration, all while maintaining industry safety standards.
