Jonathan Hurst from Agility Robotics was the keynote speaker at the Robotics Summit

By Brianna Wessling | April 12, 2023

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Agility Robotics has been working since dropping out of Oregon State University in 2015 to bring humanoid robots out of the lab into the real world. The company has made great strides in making its robots suitable for bulk material handling tasks such as tote movements.

Earlier this year, the company launched the latest generation of its Digit robot, built specifically to carry out tasks in warehouses and distribution centers. Updates in the next generation include new design end effectors optimized for high/low reach, drag, pick up, and place objects typically found in e-commerce and shipping warehouses, such as plastic totes. Digit also has a new head with LED animated eyes, which allows for better human-robot interactions such as using simple expressions to convey information and meaning.

In his keynote talk at Robotics Summit & Exhibition titled “Developing Human-Centric Bipedal Robots,” Agility co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Jonathan W. Hurst will provide an in-depth look at the process of developing bipedal robots useful in the workplace. The Robotics Summit will take place at the Boston Convention Center May 10-11, 2023, and Hurst will give his talk at 10:45 a.m. on the second day of the event.

Hurst is also a Professor and co-founder of the Oregon State University Robotics Institute. He holds a BS in mechanical engineering and an MS and Ph.D. in robotics, all from Carnegie Mellon University. His university research focuses on understanding fundamental science and engineering best practices for robotic legged locomotion and physical interactions. Agility Robotics is bringing this new robotic mobility to market, solving customer problems, working towards the day when robots can go wherever people go, generate greater productivity throughout the economy, and improve the quality of life for all.