Agility expands robot training as humanoids move into real factories

Agility Robotics is opening a 60,000-square-foot facility in Fremont, California, to train and test its Digit humanoid robots in simulated warehouse and manufacturing environments.

What happened

Digit has been involved in deployments with companies including GXO, Amazon, Schaeffler and Toyota Canada. Agility says it has secured $300 million in contract orders, although it has not disclosed the number of robots produced or deployed. Outside estimates suggest the current fleet remains relatively small.

Why it matters

Humanoid robotics is attracting substantial capital, but commercial success depends on far more than impressive demonstrations. Robots must perform repetitive tasks safely, recover from unexpected conditions and integrate with existing workplace systems. Training facilities allow companies to recreate customer environments and improve reliability before deployment.

The bigger picture

Agility is trying to establish an early lead in industrial humanoids while larger technology and automotive companies enter the market. The new facility signals a shift from research toward operational readiness. However, the company must still demonstrate that Digit can move from limited pilots into hundreds or thousands of economically viable installations. Its progress will offer an important test of whether humanoid robots can become practical industrial tools rather than expensive demonstrations.