GXO helps shape the development of Agility Robotics’ “Digit” robot in testing at SPANX facilities in the United States.
Designed to pick up goods, the robot will increase safety while will free up employees to do more value-added work.
GREENWICH, Conn., Dec. 11, 2023 — GXO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: GXO), the world’s largest contract logistics company, today announced that it is piloting a human-centric robot. human “Digit” from Agility Robotics. The robot is being tested in logistics tasks at SPANX’s facility in Georgia, United States, where GXO manages warehouse operations for the global women’s clothing brand’s direct-to-consumer and in-store orders.
“We are excited to take this pioneering step with Agility in the evolution of technology in warehouse operations,” said Adrian Stoch, General Manager of Automation at GXO. “As an industry leader in innovation, GXO works with global technology companies to develop and deploy technologies that help our customers improve safety, efficiency, productivity and employee engagement in their supply chain operations.”
Digit — who stands 1.70 m tall, weighs 63.5 kg and can lift almost 16 kg — is designed to work in human spaces and can easily adapt to various warehouse tasks through software updates.
Jonathan Hurst, co-founder and chief robotics officer at Agility Robotics, said: “Multipurpose robots that can operate in human spaces will be an integral part of our future, and we are delighted to be working with GXO to develop this technology for application in “The supply chain sector. Most importantly, there is no need to redesign the warehouse or install infrastructure beyond what is already designed around people.”
Agility Robotics and GXO are teaching Digit to perform repetitive tasks such as moving containers from autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and placing them on conveyor belts. Reducing these types of repetitions reduces stress, increases team member safety, and frees them up to do more value-added work in the warehouse. GXO’s recent survey confirms higher engagement and job satisfaction among team members when working with technology. If this initial phase is successful, it will pave the way for testing Digit in a broader range of roles in 2024. To see Digit in action, click here.
Kuralamudhan Arutselvan, Director of Automation and Innovation at GXO, added: “This pilot program marks another important milestone in our journey towards continuously improving the work environment of our employees, while optimizing our operations through innovative technology solutions.”
Christy Hillier, Senior Director of Operations at GXO, said: “It is very motivating to see the development of automation that can perform repetitive tasks with speed and precision working with our associates to deliver a better workplace.”
