Amazon has partnered with Agility Robotics, a humanoid robot developer, to start testing the latter's bipedal humanoid robot called Digit at Amazon's warehouse facilities.

The testing is still in very early stages, and the company is evaluating if the robots would be a fit for its processes. The robots will work alongside humans, initially helping employees with tote recycling, picking up and moving empty totes, etc.

Agility Robotics develops a human-sized, bi-pedal robot called “Digit,” designed for logistics applications like warehouse automation and last-mile delivery. The product is designed to look and move like a human, using two upper limbs to carry an item while moving around on two legs. The robot uses a head-mounted LiDAR system for its primary navigation and is able to navigate semi-autonomously, carrying weight up to 35 lbs. 

Analyst QuickTake: Amazon’s move to test Digit robots at warehouses follows its announcement of a USD 1 billion "Industrial Innovation" fund in April 2022, with Agility Robotics being one of the initial five firms to receive investment. Although Amazon has historically downplayed broader integrations with these companies, such investments could often lead to partnerships and acquisitions.