Although these robots were initially costly and couldn’t operate independently. Major progress has been made in both cost reductions and humanoid autonomy.
In March at ProMat, an industry event, Agility’s robots were impressive. They were able to pick totes from shelves and place them on conveyors.
Wheeled robot machines are commonly used in warehouses. But Melonee Wise, Agility’s CTO, says humanoid robots have distinct advantages.
They can navigate stairs, ramps, and uneven surfaces more effectively, fit into tight spaces, and perform tasks that require bending down or reaching up. Wise was previously the CEO of Fetch Robotics, a company specializing in wheeled warehouse robots. And she believes that the market is ready for humanoid robots.