Agility Robotics announced on Thursday that it has laid off a "small number" of employees as part of its strategic shift towards commercialization efforts. The Oregon-based company emphasized that this decision aligns with its commitment to enhancing the development and market positioning of its bipedal robots.
“In aligning with Agility’s mission for growth, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with select employees who are not directly involved in our core product development and commercialization,” the company stated. “Simultaneously, we are dedicated to addressing the rising demand for bipedal robots in various industrial applications. This involves ramping up the production of Digit, securing partnerships with top-tier global customers, and creating new roles to achieve these objectives. We believe today’s adjustments will enhance our focus on productization, commercialization, and the manufacturing of Digit.”
Agility Robotics stands at the forefront of industrial humanoid robot innovation with its flagship robot, Digit. The company originated from research conducted at Oregon State University, garnering significant interest due to the unique capabilities of its legged robots. Ford was an early supporter, exploring Digit’s potential in last-mile delivery, but these efforts were eventually sidelined to prioritize staffing solutions for under-resourced warehouses.
Despite a slowdown in overall investments in robotic technology, Agility has continued to attract funding, indicative of the market's correction following a pandemic-driven surge. Two years ago, Agility secured a $150 million Series B funding round, with Amazon participating through its Industrial Innovation Fund. The retail giant subsequently initiated pilot programs incorporating Digit into its fulfillment workflow, though these have since concluded, and there has been no announcement regarding future plans.
Several other humanoid robotics companies have launched their own pilot projects recently, such as Figure with BMW and Apptronik with Mercedes. In addition, Agility showcased enhanced features of Digit’s end effectors at the recent Modex event, specifically designed for automotive manufacturing processes.
Over the past year, Agility has strengthened its leadership team with notable appointments including Peggy Johnson, former CEO of Magic Leap, now serving as CEO; Melonee Wise, former Fetch CEO, as CTO; and Aindrea Campbell, who has held executive roles at Apple and Ford, as COO.
Currently, Agility's careers page lists five open positions, primarily targeting engineering and manufacturing talent.
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