Science

Digit finally releases delivery robot that can walk on two legs just like a human 


Digit the delivery robot that can walk on two legs and carry packages from self-driving vehicles to customers’ doorsteps is finally released, though its creator promises he ‘won’t allow it to be armed’

  • Agility Robotics has released the first two units of its Digit line of robots
  • The Digit robots walk on two legs like humans and can carry up to 40 pounds
  • The robots use a LIDAR system to navigate space and avoid obstacles

This week, Agility Robotics announced the official release of its two-legged delivery robot called Digit, which it believes could change the ‘last mile’ logistics problems that have long vexed delivery companies.

Digit has two robotic legs and two robotic arms and can pick up and hold packages weighing up to 40 pounds. 

Digit comes equipped with a LIDAR system that will allow it to avoid environmental obstacles and complete basic spatial tasks, such as handing a package its carry to another person (or another Anvil robot).

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Agility Robotics newest creation is a two-legged delivery robot called Digit, which can carry up to 40 pounds and navigates using a LIDAR system

Agility Robotics newest creation is a two-legged delivery robot called Digit, which can carry up to 40 pounds and navigates using a LIDAR system

The robot can currently pick up and carry packages autonomously but needs human input to guide it through new or unfamiliar spaces. 

Last year, Ford announced that it would purchase two units and said it would investigate using Digit to bring packages to customers front steps from self-driving delivery vehicles.

Agility Robotics says Digit costs in the low six figures but won’t give an exact figure, according to The Verge.

The initial production run for Digit will be limited to just six robots, but Agility says it estimates it will make between 20 and 30 total by the end of of the year, and hopes to produce double that in 2021.

The company believes Digit could be useful in a number of other settings as well, including taking inventory in a warehouse or stockroom, inspecting factory equipment, or gathering information about city infrastructure while on a delivery route.

However, the company insists that Digit won’t be used for any military or law enforcement tasks that would require force.

‘We won’t allow Digit (or other Agility robots) to be armed with either lethal or non-lethal weapons of any kind,’ CEO Damion Shelton told The Verge.

According to Shelton, the company will include specific language in its sales agreements that will prevent customers from using the robot to exercise military force.

Aiglity says that it doesn't want Digit used for military or law enforcement tasks that would involve the use of force, and the company says it will include a clause to prohibit it in sales contracts

Aiglity says that it doesn’t want Digit used for military or law enforcement tasks that would involve the use of force, and the company says it will include a clause to prohibit it in sales contracts

‘Agility supports the development of an international body of law surrounding use of robots in combat or ‘combat-like’ scenarios,’ Shelton says.

‘I’d strongly prefer this decision be in the hands of governments, and by extension, humanity at large, rather than left to tech companies to muddle through.’

WHAT IS DIGIT? 

Digit is a bipedal robot developed by Agility Robotics, a company in Oregon that produces a variety of robotic assistants and technologies. 

Digit can autonomously pick up and carry packages that weigh up to 40 pounds.

The robot uses a LIDAR system to navigate around environmental obstacles. 

LIDAR is similar to RADAR and sends out light beams instead of radio waves to create a map of the immediate surroundings.

Despite the LIDAR system, Digit will need human help to guide it through new or unfamiliar environments. 

Agility Robotics says that Digit could eventually be used in factories, warehouses, and could even help inspect infrastructure while on delivery routes.  

 



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