Agility Robotics 15 September 2026 unveiled Digit 5 — the next generation of its humanoid robot, designed to work alongside people without traditional protective barriers. The company draws on more than 65 000 hours of real-world operation of the previous Digit 4 model at customer sites, including GXO, Amazon, and Toyota. The main innovation is a multi-layered cooperative safety system that uses AI algorithms, multiple sensors, and an independent controller to detect people and respond automatically: by stepping around them, stopping, or crouching into a seated position.
This architecture includes visual and audible motion intent signals, as well as a partnership with NVIDIA on the Halos for Robotics platform based on IGX Thor. Unlike previous versions, where safety was limited to a remote E-stop, Digit 5 integrates long-range detection and instantaneous triggering by a separate safety controller. Such solutions allow the robot to operate in spaces designed for people without rebuilding warehouse and factory infrastructure.
Technical improvements reinforce the practical value: payload capacity increased by 40 % to 50 pounds (22,7 kg), maximum reach height reaches 7,2 feet (2,2 m) versus 5,5 feet previously, and the new battery provides 90 minutes of operation and charging in 9 minutes, yielding a ratio of 10:1 and more than 20 hours of productivity per day. Interchangeable grippers with an ISO-standard mount expand the range of tasks — from depalletizing to inspection and palletizing. These parameters allow a single robot to cover the full workflow cycle at a site, coordinating with existing AMRs and WMS systems through the Agility Arc platform.
Agility's methodology is based on real operational data, not just laboratory tests. The company participates in the development of ANSI/A3 TR R15.108 and ISO 25785-1 standards for dynamically stable mobile robots, including humanoids. However, independent long-term testing of Digit 5 under diverse conditions is still lacking — early access is expected only in the first half of 2027, with commercial availability by the end of the year. This leaves open the question of the system's reliability in unforeseen scenarios, such as crowds of people or challenging lighting.
Compared with competitors — Boston Dynamics, Figure AI, Tesla Optimus, and Apptronik — Digit 5 stands out for its focus on cooperative safety already at the serial production stage. Most other platforms still require cages or restricted-access zones, which holds back scaling in shared spaces. Agility, drawing on three years of experience with Digit 4, directly addresses customer demands to eliminate barriers, which could accelerate the transition from pilots to full-scale deployments.
This development is changing the industry's trajectory: humanoids are moving closer to integration into existing human work environments, reducing infrastructure costs and increasing flexibility. However, success depends on safety being confirmed by independent audits and on the economic model — Agility reports orders worth more than 300 million dollars, but in 2025 revenue amounted to only 1,8 million dollars with an operating loss of 140 million.
It remains unclear how robust the system is to edge cases and how quickly Agility's physical AI stack will allow new skills to be added without compromising safety. The next independent tests and deployments in the EU and the UK will show whether Digit 5 becomes a benchmark or requires further refinement.
The key lesson of Digit 5 is that real operating hours and customer feedback matter more than laboratory records for creating truly scalable solutions.
