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A new partnership between robotics company Agility Robotics and Amazon aims to improve workplace safety for warehouse workers through the use of a robot called Digit. The human-like robot will be deployed in Amazon’s research and development facility to assist employees in performing hazardous or repetitive tasks. Digit is described as “human-centric” and is specifically designed for logistics work, capable of navigating tight spaces and corners of a warehouse.

According to Agility Robotics CEO Damion Shelton, the robot will enable humans to focus on higher-skill, lower-risk jobs, allowing for a safer and less tedious work environment. Shelton also stated that Digit can handle the “dull, dirty, and dangerous” work that humans should not be doing, reducing the risk of repetitive motion injuries.

The testing process will begin with Digit working on “tote recycling,” where it will organize and reposition containers that have been emptied. This function will save human employees from repetitive motion injuries and improve workplace efficiency. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2021, over 16,000 workplace injuries were attributed to repetitive motions and microtasks.

Employee feedback will play a crucial role in the testing phase, allowing Amazon to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptance of the robot in the work environment. Once the testing is successful, Digit will be made available to other customers. Agility Robotics plans to manufacture hundreds of Digits in its new robot manufacturing facility, with the capability to scale up production to over 10,000 robots per year.

Sources:

• WorkersCompensation.com – Source Article

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