Agility Robotics Inc. announced on Tuesday the launch of its new humanoid robot, the Digit 5, which is specifically engineered to operate safely in close proximity to human workers. This marks a significant development for the robotics industry, which typically requires physical separation between robots and people. The Digit 5 is designed for complex tasks such as loading materials, sorting parts, sequencing, and inspecting items, representing an advancement from previous models like the Digit 4, which has been in commercial deployment for nearly three years.
The Salem, Oregon-based company plans to provide early access to the Digit 5 in the first half of 2027, with general availability expected by the end of 2027. Agility Robotics is also pursuing a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) deal, aiming to go public by the end of the year with a valuation of $2.5 billion. If successful, this would make it the first public U.S. company exclusively focused on humanoid robots. The company has already secured over $300 million in multi-year orders for Digit 5, with a growing pipeline of customers in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.
Despite the significant orders and market interest, regulatory filings reveal Agility's challenging financial position, including a $138 million net loss in 2025 (up from $70.5 million in 2024) and operating losses. The company acknowledged "substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern" without the SPAC deal, citing a need for significant additional capital and limited experience with its "robot-as-a-service" model. However, Agility emphasizes that Digit 5's advanced safety architecture, including AI-driven human detection and independent safety controllers, addresses a major obstacle to scaling humanoid robots in commercial environments, allowing it to work without protective barriers and handle up to 50 lb. (22.7 kg) loads.
