Topics
Latest
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:Amazon
Apps
Biotech & Health
Climate
Image Credits:Amazon
Cloud Computing
mercantilism
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
Fundraising
Gadgets
Gaming
Government & Policy
Hardware
layoff
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
privateness
Robotics
certificate
Social
Space
Startups
TikTok
deportation
Venture
More from TechCrunch
Events
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Podcasts
video
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
touch Us
Agility Roboticson Thursday confirm that it has put off a “ belittled numeral ” of employees . The well - funded Oregon - based business firm says the job loss is part of a fellowship - wide focus on commercialisation endeavor .
“ As part of Agility ’s ongoing efforts to structure the fellowship for success , we have depart ways with a small number of employee that were not central to core product development and commercialization , ” the caller pen in a instruction cater to TechCrunch . “ At the same time , we are focused on adjoin the extraordinary demand for bipedal golem across industrial function cases . That means ramp up production of Digit while continuing to win top - tier global client , and sum up new roles that meet these goals . We believe today ’s actions will set aside us to focalize on the areas that drive productization , commercialization , and production of Digit . ”
Agility was ahead of the industrial humanoid bend with its bipedal automaton , Digit . The firm was spun out of research conducted at Oregon State University . There ’s been no want of interest in its telling legged golem over the years . Ford was an early adept , as Agility explored Digit ’s last - Admiralty mile - delivery potentiality . Ultimately , however , those efforts were localise on the back burner , as the fellowship shift focus to undermanned warehouses .
There ’s been no lack of financing for Agility ’s efforts , despite a general lag ininvestmentsin andadoptionof robotic systems , both of which can be understand as department of corrections follow a massive pandemic - fueled boom .
Two long time ago this month , the society announced a $ 150 million Series B. Amazon notably participated in the one shot by way of its Industrial Innovation Fund . The retail heavyweight later on announced that it would pilot Digits as part of its fulfilment marrow work flow . The pilots have since ended , but neither company has announced next steps .
A figure of other humanoid robotics house have announced their own pilot in recent month , includingFigure with BMWandApptronik with Mercedes . Last calendar month at Modex , Agility showcased updates to Digit ’s end effector designed specifically for self-propelled fabrication workflows .
lightsomeness has also made a number of high - profile hire over the past class , include Magic Leap CEO Peggy Johnson join as chief administrator , Fetch CEO Melonee Wise as CTO and former Apple and Ford executive Aindrea Campbell in as COO .
Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
The company ’s job page presently lists five receptive part , largely focused on engineering science and manufacturing .