Principal Functional Safety Engineer

Agility Robotics embarked on its journey in 2015, spinning out of Oregon State University's esteemed Dynamic Robotics Laboratory. This venture was the culmination of years of pioneering research led by co-founder Jonathan Hurst, who, alongside Damion Shelton and Mikhail Jones, envisioned a future where robots could seamlessly integrate into human environments. The lab's foundational work in dynamic stability and bipedal locomotion laid the critical groundwork for Agility's innovative creations. Their first robot, Cassie, a bipedal platform without an upper body, was introduced in 2016 and quickly gained recognition in the research community, even setting a Guinness World Record for the 100-meter dash by a bipedal robot. This early success paved the way for the development of Digit, a full-size humanoid robot launched in 2017. Digit was a significant leap forward, equipped with a torso, arms, and a comprehensive perception system, making it suitable for a broader range of applications in academic and research settings.

The evolution of Digit continued as Agility Robotics explored practical, real-world applications. A notable early collaboration involved Ford Motor Company, where Digit was tested for last-mile delivery solutions, working in tandem with autonomous vehicles. Recognizing the immense potential in the logistics and warehouse sectors, Agility further refined Digit's capabilities, focusing on bulk material handling tasks. The current iteration of Digit, unveiled in 2023, represents a sophisticated humanoid designed for work. This launch coincided with the announcement of RoboFab, Agility's dedicated humanoid robotics factory in Salem, Oregon, signaling a commitment to large-scale production. Strategic partnerships with industry giants like Amazon and GXO Logistics soon followed, deploying Digit in fulfillment and distribution centers to tackle repetitive tasks. These collaborations underscore Agility's mission to build robot partners that augment the human workforce, allowing humans to focus on more complex and fulfilling endeavors. With a strong emphasis on safety and a cloud-based automation platform called Agility Arc for fleet management, Agility Robotics is at the forefront of commercializing humanoid robots, aiming to make them a commonplace and beneficial presence in various industries.