Toyota contracts seven Agility humanoid robots for Canadian factory | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Tim Fernholz

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) has deployed seven humanoid robots in its Canadian factory, marking a significant step in industrial automation. These robots, developed by Agility Robotics, are designed to unload auto parts from automated warehouse tuggers, enhancing efficiency in the production of RAV4 SUVs. The move follows a successful year-long pilot project and represents Toyota's commitment to integrating advanced technology to improve operational workflows. The humanoid robots, known as Digit, are specifically engineered for industrial environments where human presence is limited. Unlike traditional robots, they bridge gaps between automated systems, streamlining processes that were previously manual. This deployment underscores the growing trend of using robots-as-a-service models, which allow companies to adopt cutting-edge technology without significant upfront investments. While the use of humanoid robots in real-world settings remains rare and challenging, TMMC's collaboration with Agility demonstrates progress. The integration process involves overcoming complex challenges, such as maintenance, charging, and workflow adaptation. Experts like Ram Devarajulu from Cambridge Consultants highlight the importance of field testing to ensure seamless integration into existing operations. Agility's proprietary cloud-based software, Arc, plays a crucial role in managing robot fleets and reducing deployment costs through AI-powered optimization. This technology enables faster configuration and improved performance, making it more feasible for businesses to adopt humanoid robots. TMMC and Agility plan to explore additional use cases that focus on relieving human workers of repetitive tasks, allowing them to concentrate on more valuable roles. The broader tech industry is witnessing a shift toward practical applications of humanoid robotics. While companies like Boston Dynamics and Apptronic are also testing similar technologies in pilot programs, Toyota's deployment marks a notable milestone. As AI continues to enhance robot capabilities, the future of manufacturing could see safer, more reliable humanoids working alongside human employees, further transforming

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/19/2026