The Right Tool for the Job

As humanoid robots continue to enter logistics and manufacturing spaces, versatile and efficient end-effectors remain a priority. Developing a robotic hand replicating the human hand's dexterity and capability is a complex puzzle that requires continued innovation and may take years to fully bring to market. 

At Agility, we are pursuing a tool-changing strategy that balances highly versatile manipulation and allows us to do valuable work in these facilities today, not tomorrow. This approach focuses on bulk material handling while unlocking the ability to implement specialized tools for unique tasks.

It’s also an opportunity to take advantage of existing technology developed for industrial robot arms. Instead of reinventing the wheel and casting away these technologies, we are leveraging over sixty years of innovation in specialized toolsets. This reinforces Digit’s ability to enter an existing facility and workflows without costly retrofitting. Digit’s unique end-of-arm tooling will allow it to seamlessly swap between specialized tasks and start working faster. 

Creating Value

This is especially efficient when considering that a five-finger hand would still frequently need to handle these same specialized tools, such as drills, welding torches, and rivet guns. With end-of-arm tooling, these tools can be directly attached to and powered by Digit, removing a delicate break point in the workflow. What’s more, swappable end effectors do not prevent us from pursuing a five-finger end effector in the future. End-of-arm tooling maximizes flexibility while minimizing the time required to create value for our customers.

Learn more about how Digit can work in your facility.