This Silicon Valley city is quietly becoming Robot Row. Here's who's clanking around. (www.businessinsider.com)

Agility Robotics has inaugurated a new 60,000-square-foot engineering hub in Fremont, California, marking a significant expansion in the region known as "Robot Row." This facility will house around 200 employees dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of Agility’s humanoid robot, Digit, in a city increasingly recognized for its convergence of robotics and manufacturing. Unlike the traditionally prominent Silicon Valley cities, Fremont is carving out its niche by fostering a supportive environment for robotics startups, thanks to its preserved industrial base, close proximity to top engineering talent, and a streamlined regulatory process that eases the establishment of large facilities. Fremont’s industrial legacy, dating back to the former NUMMI automotive plant, provides a foundation that attracts companies like Tesla, DoorDash, and Zoox. This infrastructure supports the physical demands of robotics development, allowing for rapid prototyping and testing while connecting software engineers with manufacturing operations. As the robotics sector intensifies, Agility's presence underscores the importance of physical space for advancing AI applications. The hub not only serves as a center for robot skills development but also offers investors a hands-on experience with Digit, reflecting the industry's shift toward showcasing practical robot functionalities beyond mere demonstrations.