AGCO Partners With Agility Robotics on Humanoids
AGCO has signed a commercial agreement with Agility Robotics to introduce humanoid robots into its manufacturing operations.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Robotics
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AGCO signed a commercial agreement with Agility Robotics to bring humanoid robots into manufacturing. The company plans a United States humanoid robot pilot beginning at its Hesston, Kansas facility in 2027.
Why it matters
The agreement applies humanoid robots to repetitive and physically demanding manufacturing tasks, with the stated aim of improving workplace safety and operational efficiency. It also shows how automation is moving from pilot programs toward factory floors.
Agility Robotics' Digit robot is designed to sort and stack parts and place totes in storage, with its cloud-based Agility Arc platform managing robot fleets. Specifications such as battery life, payload capacity and unit count for the AGCO deployment were not disclosed.
The players
AGCO
AGCO is a Duluth, Georgia-based agricultural machinery manufacturer that makes equipment for farming and food production.
Agility Robotics
Agility Robotics is a Salem, Oregon-based robotics company that develops the Digit humanoid robot for logistics and manufacturing work.
The details
Agility Robotics' Digit robot initially supports assembly and production operations and uses artificial intelligence to adapt to changing workflows. The Agility Arc platform is designed to help companies integrate automation without extensive infrastructure changes.
Timeline
November 8, 2026: Announcement of the AGCO and Agility Robotics agreement.
2027: Planned start of the United States humanoid robot pilot at AGCO's Hesston, Kansas facility.
The Tech Race
Agility Robotics' Digit is being deployed beyond its earlier customers, with Toyota, GXO and Schaeffler also using the humanoid robot. The AGCO agreement extends that deployment into heavy-equipment manufacturing, a sector where automation competitors are also seeking factory footholds.
Automating repetitive and physically demanding factory tasks is intended to make workplaces safer and more efficient, which could change how manufacturing jobs are structured. Employees may be reassigned to other work as robots take on routine tasks, though the source does not detail specific job changes.
The takeaway
Humanoid robots are moving from demonstration into commercial manufacturing agreements. Workers and businesses following automation trends should watch how pilots like AGCO's perform before broader adoption.
What happens next
The United States humanoid robot pilot at AGCO's Hesston, Kansas facility is expected to begin in 2027.
Further reading
Explore more United States robotics news and developments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by High Plains Journal.
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