Agility Robotics has proven a critic wrong by going public through a reverse-merger that raised $465 million, valuing the humanoid robot maker ahead of the 12-month deadline set by Figure AI CEO Colby Adcock a year prior.
Peggy Johnson, the CEO of Agility, explained their focused strategy to TechCrunch: "We stuck to our strategy, which [are] these manual, very repetitive jobs, that it’s hard to find humans to do."
Founded in 2015, Agility has advanced legged locomotion research and deployed its Digit robots in industrial settings. The company has partnered with major clients such as Schaeffler, GXO, and Toyota, utilizing the robots to transport over 100,000 heavy totes at logistics facilities.
While Agility's Digit robot may seem less advanced than models from Figure or Tesla, it is currently generating revenue. However, the company posted a $362 million loss in the first half of 2026, with revenue totaling just $174,000. The recent influx of capital is intended to address these financial shortfalls.
A major catalyst for the public listing is a pipeline of $300 million in planned contracts for the new Digit 5 model. This next-generation robot is designed to operate safely alongside humans, unlike its predecessor. Johnson noted this deal was a significant factor in the decision to go public, though specific partner names remain undisclosed.
To secure these contracts, Digit 5 must achieve specific performance metrics regarding throughput, uptime, and placement accuracy. Although prototypes are not yet revealed, Agility promises demonstrations at CES 2027, with availability projected for the end of that year.
The company markets its robots as a solution to reduce labor costs, claiming a robot can save $100,000 annually under a robot-as-a-service model. The ultimate success of this business model hinges on the robot's ability to perform tasks accurately without frequent maintenance.
Agility faces challenges in scaling its operations and improving the robot's dexterity. Prospective clients must commit to a $500,000 proof of concept before scaling, and while Agility boasts 98% accuracy in picking and placing, complex manipulation remains a hurdle.
Regarding the role of generative AI, Johnson explained that while simulating data is common, Agility leverages 65,000 hours of real-world operational data from existing customers to train Digit effectively.
The SPAC capital is anticipated to cover immediate needs, though it may not ensure long-term self-sufficiency. Despite these uncertainties, Agility aims to listen to customer needs to build a sustainable business.
CTO Johnathan Hurst outlined an ambitious roadmap, starting with bin and tote operations and eventually aiming for "cardboard, which is really hard," with the ultimate vision of reaching a trillion-dollar market.
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