Humanoid robots are transitioning from science fiction to workplace reality, as companies like Agility Robotics deploy AI-powered machines to address critical labor shortages in manufacturing and logistics. Peggy Johnson, the newly appointed CEO of Agility Robotics and Silicon Valley veteran, predicts it will soon be “very normal” for humanoid robots to work alongside humans across various industries.
The labor crisis driving this transformation is severe: Deloitte estimates that manufacturing labor shortages could cost the U.S. economy as much as $1 trillion by 2030. As of January, there were 622,000 unfilled manufacturing jobs according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This gap has created urgent demand for automation solutions that can perform repetitive, physically demanding tasks.
Agility Robotics’ flagship product, Digit, stands 5-foot-9 tall and features hands designed to grip and carry objects, along with backward-folding legs for workspace maneuverability. The robot uses animated LED eyes to communicate its next actions to human coworkers. In a groundbreaking development, Digit became the first humanoid robot to be “paid” for work through a multiyear deal with GXO Logistics, where it moves boxes and places them on conveyor belts in Spanx womenswear factories.
The business model mirrors software-as-a-service, with Agility Robotics charging monthly fees that include the robot, work cell, and operating software. While exact pricing remains undisclosed, GXO expects to see return on investment within two years, based on the equivalent of a $30 per hour human worker. Major companies testing Digit include Amazon for warehouse operations and Ford for autonomous last-mile delivery services.
Competition in the humanoid robotics space is intensifying. Agility Robotics has raised approximately $178 million in investment and competes with Apptronik (partnering with NASA) and Boston Dynamics (creator of the Atlas robot). The company recently secured a deal with German supplier Schaeffler, which also made a minority investment.
Currently, Digit robots operate in cordoned-off spaces separate from humans, but Johnson announced that by mid-2025, next-generation models will safely work alongside people, with commercial availability expected within 18-24 months. Despite concerns about job displacement—a 2023 Gallup poll found 20% of workers worried about technology making their jobs obsolete—Johnson reports no significant pushback from unions, emphasizing that robots are “augmenting humans, not replacing them” by handling tasks companies struggle to fill.
Key Quotes
First in the business-enterprise space because that’s where the need is highest. And then, as Digit learns new skills, it’ll start to be able to go beyond logistics and manufacturing facilities and eventually, somewhere way down the line, is consumer robots.
Peggy Johnson, CEO of Agility Robotics, outlined the company’s strategic roadmap during an interview at the Web Summit tech event in Lisbon. This statement reveals the phased approach to humanoid robot deployment, starting with high-need industrial applications before expanding to consumer markets.
The hype, in general, is not great for the industry because people think it’s somehow not here and now. My job is to say, no, it is here and now. Humanoids are deployed right now and are getting paid to do work.
Johnson criticized misleading robotics demonstrations, particularly referencing Tesla’s remotely-operated Optimus robots at their recent event. Her emphasis on actual deployed technology versus concept videos positions Agility Robotics as focused on practical, commercially viable solutions rather than speculative promises.
Many companies in the robotics space think, well, now that AI is here, I can just build a complete AI stack. We think that is very dangerous right now. The problem is, just asking ChatGPT a question — it doesn’t always answer exactly right. Can you imagine if what it’s telling it to do is move an arm around and these things are human forms, 5-foot-9, 160 pounds?
Johnson explained Agility Robotics’ cautious “AI-agnostic” approach to artificial intelligence integration. This perspective highlights critical safety concerns about over-relying on generative AI for physical robotics applications, where errors could have serious consequences given the robots’ size and force capabilities.
We tend to think of it as augmenting humans and not replacing humans — it’s just taking some of the tasks off their plate.
Addressing concerns about job displacement, Johnson framed humanoid robots as complementary to human workers rather than replacements. This messaging is particularly important given that 20% of U.S. workers now worry about technology making their jobs obsolete, according to 2023 Gallup polling.
Our Take
Agility Robotics’ measured approach to AI integration offers a refreshing counterpoint to the industry’s tendency toward overpromising. Johnson’s criticism of hype and her company’s “AI-agnostic” philosophy demonstrates growing maturity in understanding AI’s limitations, particularly in physical applications where mistakes carry real-world consequences. The distinction between using AI for specific tasks like reinforcement learning for movement versus building complete AI-driven systems is crucial for safety and reliability.
The economic case for humanoid robots has reached a tipping point. With 622,000 unfilled manufacturing jobs and potential trillion-dollar economic losses, the business justification is compelling. The two-year ROI timeline and SaaS-style pricing model make adoption accessible, potentially accelerating deployment across industries. However, the real test will be whether these robots can scale beyond controlled warehouse environments to more complex, dynamic settings—a challenge Johnson acknowledges will take considerably longer to solve.
Why This Matters
This development represents a pivotal moment in the convergence of AI, robotics, and workforce transformation. The deployment of commercially viable humanoid robots addresses one of the most pressing economic challenges facing developed nations: severe labor shortages in physically demanding industries. With potential trillion-dollar economic impacts, the success of companies like Agility Robotics could fundamentally reshape manufacturing and logistics operations.
The cautious approach to AI integration highlighted by Johnson is particularly significant. While the robotics industry faces hype cycles and misleading demonstrations—exemplified by Tesla’s remotely-operated Optimus robots—Agility Robotics’ focus on proven, deployed technology and measured AI application sets a more sustainable precedent. Their “AI-agnostic” stance, using various models for specific tasks rather than building complete AI stacks, reflects growing industry maturity around AI safety and reliability.
The broader implications extend beyond immediate labor solutions. As these robots gather operational data in controlled warehouse environments, they’re building the foundation for future consumer applications, potentially transforming how AI-powered robots integrate into daily life while establishing critical safety protocols and public acceptance.
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