AGCO to Pilot Humanoid Robots in Kansas by 2027
AGCO and Agility Robotics will launch a pilot program using Digit humanoid robots to automate factory tasks.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Robotics
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AGCO will begin a pilot program at its Kansas production facility in 2027 using Agility Robotics' Digit robots. The humanoid machines will perform parts sorting and tote placement as part of a new commercial agreement.
Why it matters
The partnership aims to enhance ergonomic safety and operational efficiency by automating physically demanding manufacturing tasks. This transition intends to empower human employees to focus on higher-value work within the facility.
The Digit robot uses artificial intelligence to learn and adapt to factory workflows. The Agility Arc platform serves as a cloud-based management system to integrate these robots without requiring extensive facility infrastructure changes.
The players
AGCO
Headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, this company is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology.
Agility Robotics
This company specializes in the development of humanoid robots designed to work alongside humans in commercial and industrial environments.
The details
Digit robots are designed to handle repetitive manufacturing duties, such as sorting parts and placing totes. These humanoid systems join a growing list of robotics deployments in the industrial sector, including similar efforts by companies like Toyota, GXO, and Schaeffler.
Timeline
The pilot program is scheduled to begin in 2027.
The Tech Race
The deployment of the Digit humanoid robot marks a significant expansion in the use of autonomous systems within the manufacturing sector. This integration follows similar adoption strategies seen with global industrial players like Toyota, GXO, and Schaeffler.
Employees at the manufacturing site will transition from repetitive physical tasks to higher-value roles as robots take over sorting and placement duties. This shift is designed to improve daily ergonomic safety for the workforce.
The takeaway
The move toward humanoid automation illustrates a shift in how manufacturers address labor-intensive tasks while prioritizing worker safety. As these systems become more adaptable through AI, factories can expect to integrate robotics with fewer infrastructure hurdles.
What happens next
The pilot program is currently set to launch in 2027 at the production facility in Hesston, Kansas.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in the Robotics sector to see how automation is transforming modern manufacturing.
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