Agricultural machinery maker AGCO will trial humanoid robots at its manufacturing facility in Hesston, Kansas, from 2027, as it explores the use of AI-powered automation for repetitive and physically demanding production tasks.
The company has signed a commercial agreement with Agility Robotics to introduce its Digit humanoid robot into manufacturing operations, initially focusing on sorting and stacking parts and placing storage totes.
The pilot is intended to assess how humanoid robots can be deployed in existing production environments to improve operational efficiency and reduce the physical demands placed on workers. AGCO said the technology would allow employees to focus on higher-value, skilled tasks, although it did not disclose the size of the planned deployment or the investment involved.
“This strategic relationship views humanoid robotics and AI as essential ‘teammates’ in building flexible, intelligent factories,” said Thomas Enghof, AGCO’s Director of Manufacturing Technology.
He said the technology could take on repetitive, strenuous or hazardous work, while combining human expertise with robotic engineering and safety controls.
Agility Robotics said the agreement would provide an opportunity to demonstrate the use of humanoid robots in industrial production. Its Digit platform is designed to handle material movement and other tasks in environments built for human workers.
The robots can be managed through Agility Arc, the company’s Cloud-based platform for deploying and overseeing robot fleets. Agility says the system is designed to integrate automation into existing operations without extensive infrastructure changes or costly facility upgrades.
AGCO joins other manufacturers and logistics operators exploring humanoid robots, including Hyundai, Toyota, and industrial supplier Schaeffler. The technology is attracting interest as manufacturers seek more flexible automation, although its ability to deliver reliable performance and a clear return on investment at scale remains to be demonstrated across a wider range of industrial settings.
AGCO makes agricultural machinery and precision farming technologies under brands including Fendt, Massey Ferguson and Valtra.
