Agility Robotics is preparing to become a publicly traded company through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), a transaction expected to provide $465 million in new capital. The robotics startup plans to use the funding to expand commercial deployments of its Digit humanoid robots and develop its next-generation Digit 5 model.
The deal combines capital from retail investors and private funding as Agility seeks to scale production and fulfill approximately $300 million in planned contracts involving 30 customers. CEO Peggy Johnson said the company’s focus remains on automating repetitive industrial tasks, particularly jobs involving heavy lifting and material handling.
Agility Focuses on Industrial Humanoid Robots
Founded in 2015 as a spinout from Oregon State University, Agility Robotics develops bipedal robots designed to work in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and logistics operations. Its Digit robot primarily handles repetitive tasks such as moving containers and transporting materials.
The company has deployed robots with nine customers, including Schaeffler, GXO, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, and Mercado Libre. At a GXO logistics facility, Digit robots have handled more than 100,000 containers.
Despite these deployments, Agility remains in the early stages of commercial revenue generation. The company reported approximately $174,000 in revenue during the first six months of 2026, primarily from related parties, while recording losses of $362 million.
Agility estimates that its robots could save industrial customers approximately $100,000 annually under a robot-as-a-service arrangement. Actual savings will depend on deployment costs, operating efficiency, maintenance requirements, and robot performance.
Digit 5 Targets Wider Commercial Deployment
The upcoming Digit 5 model is designed to operate safely alongside human workers rather than remaining within isolated industrial work cells. Johnson said the robot must meet customer requirements for throughput, uptime, and placement accuracy before planned contracts can proceed.
Agility expects to demonstrate Digit 5 prototypes at CES 2027, with wider commercial availability planned for late 2027. The company has not disclosed production targets for the new model, although its manufacturing facility has a stated annual capacity of 10,000 robots.
Potential customers currently pay approximately $500,000 for an on-site proof-of-concept deployment before committing to larger installations. Four customers had entered that process by May 2026.
Operational Data Supports Robot Development
Agility is using approximately 65,000 hours of operational data collected from customer facilities to improve Digit’s performance. The company also uses simulation and AI training techniques to develop capabilities for more complex physical tasks.
Digit can currently lift heavy containers and place them with approximately 98% accuracy, but its ability to manipulate different objects remains limited. Agility plans to expand beyond moving containers into activities such as picking, packaging, and loading vehicles.
Johnson said the $465 million financing would support the company’s current development plans but did not confirm whether it would provide sufficient capital to reach profitability. Agility has also not disclosed a timetable for achieving positive cash flow.
Featured image credits: Agility Robotics
For more stories like it, click the +Follow button at the top of this page to follow us.