These robots are coming for the jobs no one wants — and could fill workforce gaps

Agility Robotics is making waves in the manufacturing sector by introducing its humanoid robot, Digit, which aims to tackle a pressing global labor shortage. Unlike flashy backflipping robots that dominate viral videos, Digit is designed for practical tasks in manufacturing plants. The Oregon-based startup has already deployed its robots at major companies like Amazon, Schaeffler Group, and GXO, and recently announced a partnership with Toyota to introduce Digit in its large Canadian manufacturing facility. Daniel Diez, Agility's chief business officer, emphasizes a universal challenge across the globe: manufacturers are struggling to find workers willing to take on monotonous and repetitive roles. "It's the same exact issue: Labor gaps in these highly repetitive physical tasks," Diez stated, noting that the demand for such roles is high, with over 400,000 manufacturing job openings in the U.S. alone as of December 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Talent retention is another pressing issue highlighted in a 2024 survey of over 200 companies by The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte. Diez mentions that a significant portion of the manufacturing workforce is nearing retirement, with more than 25% of workers aged 55 and older. This demographic shift, combined with the previous administration's focus on re-shoring manufacturing, is expected to create even more jobs and heighten the need for automation. Major automakers like Tesla, Volkswagen, and Ford are investing heavily in humanoid robots, anticipating their integration into assembly lines in the near future. Boston Dynamics has also joined the race, unveiling a new version of its Atlas robot, which is set to be deployed in Hyundai’s Georgia factory in the coming years. Diez points out that the introduction of humanoid robots could ease the challenges posed by an aging workforce and growing manufacturing demands. At Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Ontario, the initial deployment of three Digit robots will involve moving plastic containers, showcasing their capability to handle simple tasks. While some industry experts believe that fully autonomous humanoid robots are still years away, the two-legged design of these robots is particularly advantageous for older factories, allowing for easier integration without extensive modifications to existing layouts. Diez highlights that industries with repetitive tasks, like warehouse logistics, e-commerce, automotive, and pharmaceuticals, are showing a keen interest in adopting humanoid robots. "We’re not having to convince people that this is a technology need," he noted, indicating a strong demand for automation solutions in these sectors.