Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada has contracted seven Agility Robotics Digit humanoid robots for its RAV4 SUV plant in a robots-as-a-service deal. The deployment follows a year-long pilot program where Toyota evaluated multiple robotic solutions for improving operational efficiency and worker experience in its manufacturing facilities.

The Digit robots will perform repetitive tasks including unloading totes of auto parts from automated warehouse tuggers. While seven robots may seem modest compared to promotional videos of humanoid robots performing acrobatics, actual workplace deployment remains rare and technically challenging. Companies must integrate robots into existing workflows, manage maintenance, and ensure reliable charging systems.

Agility Robotics leads the industry in commercial deployments, with Digits already operating at logistics providers like Amazon, GXO, and Schaeffler. The company's proprietary Arc software platform manages robot fleets, while AI tools aim to reduce deployment costs that often exceed the robots' purchase price. This Toyota contract positions Agility to pioneer additional use cases that shift human workers from repetitive physical tasks to more valuable work.