Humanoid startup Agility Robotics doesn't want 'coin-operated employees' (www.businessinsider.com)

Agility Robotics has announced the opening of a new 60,000-square-foot research and training facility in Fremont, California, as it seeks to attract world-class engineers without engaging in the competitive "bidding wars" for talent seen in the AI and robotics sectors. Co-founder Jonathan Hurst emphasizes the company's commitment to finding candidates who align with Agility's culture rather than simply pursuing the highest pay packages. The facility, envisioned as a "robot school," will train Agility’s humanoid robot, Digit, which has already been deployed in commercial settings since 2024, achieving over 65,000 work hours in manufacturing and logistics. This strategic move is significant for the AI/ML community, as Agility Robotics positions itself within a hub of innovation, close to major competitors like Meta and Tesla. By focusing on sustainable growth and mission-driven hiring, the startup aims to maintain its leading edge in humanoid robotics. With plans to go public via a SPAC and over $300 million in orders for its next-generation Digit V5, Agility is not just participating in the robotics field but actively shaping its future by prioritizing the quality of its workforce over financial incentives.