Image Source: Agility Robotics

Ford recently announced they bought the first two units of Agility Robotics’ “Digit”, a commercially available bipedal package delivery robot that can pick and stack packages of up to 40 lbs (18 kg). The move is part of Ford’s current exploration into last-mile logistics, particularly in the case of supporting self-driving delivery vans.

Digit’s bipedal design allows it to better navigate through complex, human environments such as stairs, a key obstacle for autonomous curb-to-doorstep delivery. It’s four degree-of-freedom (4-DOF) arms also allow it to it push open doors or even push itself up after falling down.

According to the Verge, each Digit unit is priced in the low to mid six figures. However when factoring in maintenance and lifespan, this number roughly translates into an hourly cost of ~ $25. 

In addition to door-to-door logistics, the 100 pound (45 kg) Digit could potentially perform warehouse/stockroom work, or even infrastructure inspection as part of its delivery route.