# Agility Robotics' Melonee Wise on role of humanoids

- Show: [The Robot Report Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast)
- Published: 2023-09-14
- Length: 1h 00m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-09-14-agility-robotics-melonee-wise-on-role-of-humanoids
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/robot-report-podcast/agility-robotics-melonee-wise-on-role-of-humanoids

## Summary

Melonee Wise, CTO of Agility Robotics and founder of Fetch Robotics, discusses the technical roadmap for Digit, the company's bipedal mobile manipulator. She explains why Agility is focusing on tote handling in logistics to bridge 'islands of automation' and argues that high-dexterity hands are unnecessary for near-term industrial impact. The conversation also covers the industry's reliance on software over hardware, the limitations of generative AI in safety-critical contexts, and the consolidation of the AMR market, including Rockwell Automation's acquisition of Clearpath Robotics.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-09-14-agility-robotics-melonee-wise-on-role-of-humanoids#t=7) News: Rockwell Acquires Clearpath and Robotaxi Violence
- [21:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-09-14-agility-robotics-melonee-wise-on-role-of-humanoids#t=1314) Melonee Wise Joins Agility Robotics
- [30:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-09-14-agility-robotics-melonee-wise-on-role-of-humanoids#t=1837) Digit's Role in Logistics and Automation Islands
- [36:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-09-14-agility-robotics-melonee-wise-on-role-of-humanoids#t=2199) Software, Speed, and Generative AI Limitations
- [44:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-09-14-agility-robotics-melonee-wise-on-role-of-humanoids#t=2668) Dexterous Manipulation vs. Practical Grippers
- [49:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-09-14-agility-robotics-melonee-wise-on-role-of-humanoids#t=2974) Field Testing, Failure, and Market Validation

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Growth, exits & acquisitions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/growth-exits-and-acquisitions)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Agility Robotics (company)
- Digit (product)
- Fetch Robotics (company)
- Rockwell Automation (company)
- Clearpath Robotics (company)
- AutoMotors (company)
- Zebra (company)
- ABB (company)
- Asti Mobile Robotics (company)
- Okada (company)
- 6 River Systems (company)
- Cruise (company)
- Waymo (company)
- TurtleBot (product)
- ROS 2 (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [203: Humanoid Robots: Industrial Applications, Safety, and Going Beyond the Hype to Solve Real Problems Featuring Agility Robotics' Melonee Wise](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-09-17-203-humanoid-robots-industrial-applications-safety-and-going-beyond-the-hype-to) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [BONUS: Leaders in Robotics, AMRs, and Logistics, Pt. 2 of 2 (brought to you by A3)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2021-11-26-bonus-leaders-in-robotics-amrs-and-logistics-pt-2-of-2-brought-to-you-by-a3) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Episode 152: Dexterous robot hands - Rich Walker](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-17-episode-152-dexterous-robot-hands-rich-walker) (Robot Talk)
- [Deploying Intelligent Robots at Scale with Dexterity CEO Samir Menon](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2021-12-28-deploying-intelligent-robots-at-scale-with-dexterity-ceo-samir-menon) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [191: The State of Robotics: Live From the 2024 Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston, MA](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-06-25-191-the-state-of-robotics-live-from-the-2024-robotics-summit-expo-in-boston-ma) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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